It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of The Open Championship, and Northern Ireland's own Rory McIlroy is among the betting favorites entering the men's final major of the season.But he's not THE favorite.

Just as a certain Northern Irishman’s golf ball flew left, but not too far left, and safely settled in the rough, the sun peeked ou