Rory McIlroy

McIlroy is eight shots behind the 13-under-par tally recorded by the pacesetters.

McIlroy won the title the last time it was staged at The K Club in 2016.

McIlroy said he is ‘over the moon’ to be placed where he is.

The pair lead by one from a six-strong chasing pack which includes England’s Matt Fitzpatrick.

The Northern Irishman was unable to reproduce his best form at Royal Liverpool as he finished seven shots behind American Brian Harman.

Trailing by nine, the four-time major winner needs a serious climb with 36 holes to go. M. James Ward examines the battle that lies ahead…

The world number two did not build significantly on his level-par opening round.

Harman racked up four successive birdies to charge into the second-round lead.

McIlroy lay five shots off the lead after day one.

The Northern Irishman was positive despite a frustrating start to his latest quest to reclaim the Claret Jug.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers is hoping for a dramatic climax to the tournament on Sunday.

The 151st Open Championship commences Thursday. M. James Ward outlines the key players who expect to contend this week with only one golfer going home…

McIlroy travelled to Hoylake on Sunday afternoon after winning the Scottish Open in brilliant fashion.

McIlroy travelled to Hoylake on Sunday afternoon following a brilliant victory in the Genesis Scottish Open.

It was McIlroy’s first win on Scottish soil.

A birdie-birdie finish completed a brilliant fightback by the Northern Irishman.

A third round of 67 ensured halfway leader McIlroy remained the man to catch at The Renaissance Club on 13 under par.

McIlroy added a second round of 66 to his opening 64 at the Renaissance Club to reach 10 under par.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are among those players looking to lift the Claret Jug.

Bobby Jones, Peter Thomson and Tiger Woods are also among the golfing greats to win at Hoylake.