Rory McIlroy spent more than 10 minutes signing autographs after his Open Championship practice round on Tuesday and the Northern Irishman put some professional autograph hunters in their place

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.

Rory McIlroy was in a generous mood after his practice round at the Open Championship on Tuesday, spending more than 10 minutes signing autographs for fans

In the lineage of golf courses, Royal Portrush isn't in the same stratosphere as St. Andrews or Augusta National or Pebble Beach. But to Rory McIlroy, it's special.

It is hard to judge precisely what the benefit might have been to Rory McIlroy of a ­second near-dawn circumnavigation of Royal Portrush, save for the joy it brought early risers on the Antrim coast.

The pro golfer and his family quit their $18 million Florida mansion to relocate to the U.K., and it appears that the move was exactly what the doctor ordered.

The man at the door is a kind and friendly sort. He’s also not much of a golf fan, but there’s an artificial putting green in his back garden, and occasionally it draws strangers to his house on the corner of Strathearn Court and Belfast Road.

Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.