McIlroy ejected on the first hole and ultimately missed the cut when The Open was last played in his home country of Northern Ireland

The final major of the golfing year takes place this week as the Open Championship takes place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland – with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood both teeing off

The last time the British Open came to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy missed the cut. Will he claim his second major of the year this time around?

By the time Rory McIlroy finished his first practice round for the British Open at Royal Portrush, a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine was waiting to see him finish.

What time does Rory McIlroy tee off at The Open today? Day one start times, how to watch and latest odds - Masters champion targeting second career Claret Jug on home turf in Northern Ireland

Northern Irish youngster Tom Kibblin was joint leaderat one point in the morning before dropping to one-over par

Rory McIlroy has been tipped to compete at the top level for another decade before he even contemplates retirement. The Northern Irishman will tee off at the Open Championship at 3.10pm this afternoon, as he bids to win his sixth major title at Royal Portrush.