Just 12 hours after finishing runner-up at the Scottish Open to relative PGA Tour newcomer Chris Gotterup, Rory McIlroy took to the first tee at Royal Portrush for his first practice round ahead of the Open Championship. The tournament takes place in his native Northern Ireland at a course where 16-year-old McIlroy set the course record.

Rory McIlroy has gone winless in six starts since securing his first green jacket at Augusta in April, but Sam Torrance has backed the Northern Irishman to end his barren run at The Open