Home favourite Rory McIlroy birdied three of his first holes to begin a third-round charge in perfect scoring conditions at the British Open on Saturday.

World number one Scottie Scheffler made a fine start to the British Open with a three-under par round at a rain-swept Royal Portrush on Thursday before home favourite Rory McIlroy

At this time six years ago, Rory McIlroy was already on his way home, heartbroken about missing the cut in his first “home” British Open.

By the time Rory McIlroy finished his first practice round for the British Open at Royal Portrush, a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine was waiting to see him finish.

As a 16-year-old at the 2005 North of Ireland Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy shot a course record 61. That was the old course, before redesign. It's a course he recognizes only parts of now.