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.

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.

Rory McIlroy is hoping to win a second Claret Jug at The Open, but the Northern Irishman let his emotions get the better of him during his second round at Royal Portrush

Bookmark this play if Rory McIlroy is in the mix this weekend for the claret jug. McIlroy overcame a shaky driver to turn in a one-under 70 Thursday at Royal Portrush and opened his second round with a birdie.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy achieved the first part of his mission at Royal Portrush on Friday -- making the cut. Now the 36-year-old cannot wait for the weekend's battle as he seeks a second British Open title.

Rory McIlroy is racing around Royal Portrush again. A smart choice on the 2nd hole kept him in the hunt at the Open while you were sleeping.

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.