An Open to remember - 18 photos from Royal Portrush
Before the golfers' attentions turned to the course, signer and golf fanatic Niall Horan joined several players for a chip-in challenge down at Portrush harbour.Judging by the reactions here I think he was pretty close.
Scottie Scheffler made headlines before the Open had even started when he said professional golf was "not a fulfilling life" and questioned "the point" of pursuing victories when that euphoria lasts a couple of minutes.I'm sure he was questioning "what's the point?" when he was standing getting hammered by rain at the start of the week, when Northern Ireland was getting hit by four seasons in one day.All's well that ends well, however.
Tunnel vision for Bryson DeChambeau.The American was one of the most popular players throughout the week and, after a horrendous opening round of seven over, he put on a clinic with rounds of 65, 68 and 64 to finish on nine under and tied for 10th place.Always an entertaining man to watch.
Rory mania was in full flow at Royal Portrush as fans - both young and old - hunted McIlroy down for an autograph or a glimpse of the local hero.
It was a 06:30 BST start on Thursday, but the crowds still came out in force to watch Padraig Harrington hit the opening tee shot at the Open.The two-time Open champion did not make the cut but his 'scientific' comments about Portrush having the best 99 ice creams on the Open rota were one of the most memorable moments of the week.
Golfers, spectators and media all became weather experts throughout the week as the skies dominated conversation.Tommy Fleetwood was one of those to toil on a wet and wild opening day, but he would recover to seven under for the tournament.Thankfully, it would clear up for the final two days.
Xander Schauffele had a strong week in Northern Ireland but didn't have enough to defend his Open title from Royal Troon 12 months ago. Here, he takes some Portrush turf with him as the wet and windy weather made things tricky in the opening two rounds.
Is this the best view in golf? It must be a great feeling hitting a shot into the colosseum of the 18th hole at Royal Portrush. The sun certainly helps too. Here, Bob MacIntyre unloads a ball towards the green. The Scot was one of the most popular players on the course during the week.
It quickly became a tradition that dozens of young fans would make that way to the players' exit from the 18th green to try and catch a ball.As you can see, it became quite competitive.
After a two-stroke penalty on Friday that dropped him out of contention, Shane Lowry might have needed a guiding light to battle his way into the weekend.Is this the photo of the entire week? Quite possibly.
Li Haotong - once dubbed the most handsome man in China - takes in what could be the most handsome view on the golf course.On a clear day, you can see along the coast for several miles and take in the golden, sandy beach below.
It went that way! On the picturesque sixth hole, with 'the most famous bench in golf' in the background, spectators look in the evening sun as Matthew Fitzpatrick hits his tee shot in the third round.
Forget 'Where's Wally?'. The Open was a case of 'Where's Rory?' as the crowds followed him everywhere he went. His Saturday round, including his eagle put on the 12th, will live long in the memory of those watching.
Now, this is commitment.Matthew Fitzpatrick's approach to lining up a put caught a lot of attention in Portrush.Either that, or he's trying to get as close as possible to Scottie Scheffler. We wouldn't blame him.
Do you ever feel like someone is watching? Thousands of fans followed Rory McIlroy through his final two rounds from first hole to last.
It was an emotional farewell to Royal Portrush from McIlroy's home support as he received a standing ovation as he walked onto the 18th green. It wasn't to be for the Masters champion, but he banished the memories of 2019.
In an adorable moment, and not without a couple of tumbles on the way, Scheffler's son, Bennett, made his way onto the green after his dad had been handed the Claret Jug.
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