Rory McIlroy's legion of fans came in hope more than expectation to the final day of the British Open at Royal Portrush.

The child stood transfixed, overwhelmed by the moment, until reality crashed back when McIlroy had already moved 50 yards past. Panic flashed across the boy's face—had he missed his chance? He found his voice.

Rory McIlroy didn’t leave Portrush with the Claret Jug under his arm Sunday night, but he was a winner nonetheless at the 153rd British Open.

Rory McIlroy stared at his card behind the 18th green and smiled the smile of a golfer who knew he’d had a day to remember at the British Open.

Viewed from the fairway, Rory McIlroy's eagle on the 12th hole Saturday was captivating theater. It seemed too slow for the longest time as it trickled to the ridge just a few feet from the hole, but it hit the downslope at the perfect speed.

If McIlroy didn’t quite deliver, then Royal Portrush — where he shot 61 as a 16-year-old for the course record — certainly did, gaining widespread rave reviews.

A Haotong Li bogey coupled with a birdie for Scottie Scheffler at No. 4 has his lead up to 7 shots. It's an absolute runaway as Scheffler is already -2 on his round, while no one around him is making a run.

In post-round interviews, especially during bigger tournaments, you'll often hear tour pros say they plan to go back to their hotels or rental homes and get their minds off golf. For some that may mean playing with the kids,