WHAT'S THE STORY MORNING RORY

Early birdie Mcllroy has a masterplan for glory

- CHRIS MCKENNA in Portrush

MOST would have fancied a few beers and a lie-in after coming up just short on a searingly hot day on the golf course.

Most are not Rory McIlroy, obviously.

The Northern Irishman finished two shots behind American Chris Gotterup at the Scottish Open on Sunday.

But there was no time for sulking. Instead, it was straight to the airport for a flight to his homeland.

McIlroy (above) got to his hotel in Portrush at lam, but the alarm clock was set for not long after.

The tee time was booked for 7am for his first practice round at this week's venue for The Open, which starts Thursday.

There was a method behind the madness for the Masters champion.

The fact practice rounds were halted in the early afternoon briefly due to thunderstorms, it made even more sense for the five-time Major winner to not hit the snooze button.