McIlroy has played solid enough through 36 holes at The Open Championship but will need to actually move on Moving Day

Home favourite Rory McIlroy achieved the first part of his mission at Royal Portrush on Friday -- making the cut.

Rory McIlroy attended the Association of Golf Writers dinner on Tuesday evening and was decked out in green — Masters green.

Rory McIlroy entered the 2025 Scottish Open needing to regain the top-tier form he flashed earlier in the year when he won three tournaments, including the Masters, which secured his career grand slam.

McIlroy didn't play his best Thursday at Royal Portrush but shot 1-under 70 and is three shots off the 18-hole lead.

Here's what to know about McIlroy's roots, from his hometown and upbringing, to his young golf career before he emerged as one of the best players in the world. McIlroy was born in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland in 1989. His father was also from Holywood, while his mother was from Lurgan, County Armagh.

The first time that Royal Portrush hosted the Open Championship since 1951, there was heaps of pressure on McIlroy, the biggest sporting star from Northern Ireland since George Best played for Manchester United in the 1960s and 70s, to win. He shot a 79 on Thursday.

Six years ago at Royal Portrush, McIlroy, who grew up less than an hour away, hit his opening shot out of bounds on the par-4 first on his way to a quadruple-bogey 8 and a 79. He pulled his tee shot again, this time around, but it settled safely in the left rough.

Rory McIlroy was in a relaxed mood during final practice on Wednesday at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, as the Masters champion looks to win his home major

Rory McIlroy remains in contention at The Open 2025 with the Masters champion ending at three under after a steady performance in Friday’s second round.The Northern Irishman remains a distance behind 2023 champion Brian Harman and China’s Haotong Li,