THIS CAN TOP AUGUSTA JOY

Home win for Rory would be 'absolutely incredible'

- By Chris McKenna

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 winner 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 arrived at his hotel in Portrush at 1am and 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.

There was a method behind the madness of The Masters champion. The fact that practice rounds were briefly halted in the early afternoon due to thunderstorms meant it made even more sense for the five-time Major winner to avoid the snooze button.