McIlroy ready to ride wave of 'Rory Mania' at Portrush

Europeans eager to end Open title wait

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When Rory McIlroy arrived at Royal Portrush six years ago it was meant to be a glorious homecoming for Northern Ireland's most famous sportsman, but his British Open hopes lasted only two rounds.

"Rory Mania" will reach new heights as golf's oldest major returns to County Antrim’s stunning Causeway Coast tomorrow, but this time he insists he is better prepared to ride the wave.

Around 275,000 fans will attend the 153rd Open this week - a figure only topped by St Andrews.

A sizeable majority will be roaring for 36-year-old McIlroy as he tries to lift the Claret Jug for a second time, having first got his hands on it at Royal Liverpool in 2014.

Former world No.1 McIlroy completed a long-overdue career slam when he edged out Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose in a gripping Masters battle this year, ending an 11-year major drought.