Rory McIlroy, a Northern Ireland native, played by himself early Monday at Royal Portrush, seeing the course for the first time since 2019.

McIlroy is encouraged by how's he played in his last two starts, including finishing tied for second at last week's Scottish Open.

Rory McIlroy has arrived at Royal Portrush with a warning for the Open field that he is ready to win again. After three underwhelming months following his Masters breakthrough, the world No 2 returned ...