McIlroy mania is already hitting the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. One of Northern Ireland's most famous sons will be gunning for his seventh major in the North West this weekend, having claimed his second consecutive Masters in March. He came up short at both the US Open and the PGA Championship afterwards, but it would be no surprise if he comes up trumps on Sunday as he bids for a first Claret Jug since 2014.
Early Morning Practice Draws Enthusiastic Crowds
Spectators at the course were given access from 7am on Tuesday to watch the great and good of the golf world go about their practice rounds, including McIlroy. Some might have been surprised to find that the 37-year-old was already halfway round the course at that time, having sneaked out early before the public were admitted. Alongside local hero Tommy Fleetwood, McIlroy is the undisputed fan favourite this week.
From the moment the gates swung open and supporters poured through, they made a beeline for McIlroy after word rapidly spread that he was already out on the course. He hadn't been flagged up on the large screens positioned beside several of the greens, but the secret was out in no time.
Fan Hunt and Warm Interaction
"Let the Rory hunt begin!" one fan declared to his companions as they made their way back through the front nine in pursuit of their idol. When they finally tracked him down, he was positioned on the seventh green. Missing him would have been virtually impossible, despite his low-key grey Nike attire, given the enormous crowd of fans trailing him in the early morning light.
McIlroy appeared thoroughly at ease as he played two shots off the tee on seven, finding the rough twice on the right side of the narrow, snaking fairway. He reached the green while laughing and chatting with Shane Lowry, before taking several practice putts and chips around the green to familiarise himself with the severe undulation.
High Spirits with Playing Partner
The duo were evidently in high spirits, with McIlroy sharing jokes with Lowry's caddie, Dermot Byrne, as he maintained a cheerful atmosphere in the scorching sunshine. "He's there playing with his best mate, not a bad life is it?" one spectator commented to another. Having wrapped up with a few putts on eight, McIlroy and Lowry headed towards the ninth tee box, and anticipation was tangible along the rope barrier as fans pressed forward to secure a better view.
"Good luck Shane, good luck Rory!" one young supporter called out enthusiastically. Rather than simply concentrating on his game, McIlroy beamed back with a warm: "Thank you!" As ever, McIlroy pledged he would sign autographs "after the round", and he remained true to that commitment, with the 'kids signing area' positioned directly alongside the entrance to the practice range.
Upcoming Tee Time
McIlroy is set to tee it up alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele this week as part of one of the featured groups, with their opening tee time scheduled for 3.16pm local time. The 154th Open Championship runs from 16-19 July at Royal Birkdale.
