Rory McIlroy came close to finishing among the leaders in the first round of the Open, but the back nine proved it can be a tough challenge for anyone.

A deluge did land as McIlroy was making his way up the 18th hole, where he was greeted by a sea of umbrellas and a huge roar from the crowds huddled beneath them, who are only too delighted to have their hero around for two more days after he worked hard for a two-under second round of 69 to add to his opening 70.