World number two Rory McIlroy says he "could be a couple closer to the lead" at the halfway stage of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush but described his position as "decent" heading into the weekend.

At this time six years ago, Rory McIlroy was already on his way home, heartbroken about missing the cut in his first "home" British Open.

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.

How to watch every single shot from the biggest names in golf throughout Round 2 at the 2025 Open Championship

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.

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood cannot believe how close Justin Thomas was to a birdie on the third hole on the second day of The Open. The Open round two: Harman leads from Hatton and charging MacIntyre Man Utd agree £65m deal to sign Brentford's Mbeum Race through the life and career of F1 icon,

Rain lashed from above, North Atlantic winds pummeled from the side, and thousands of excited, umbrella-wielding shapes swirled amongst it all, yet the man at the eye of the storm remained entirely unflustered.

Golf fans will never (ever) be able to hit a golf ball like Rory McIlroy, but they can at least try to practice chipping like the five-time major champ this week. Well, the way he practiced long (long) before he was ever even a one-time major champ.