Nothing Can Shake the Portrush Crowd Off of Rory McIlroy, Not Even a Scheffler Runaway

The scene on Wednesday at Royal Portrush Golf Club was electric, and we were still 24 hours from the Rory McIlroy's opening tee shot.

But on the jam-packed range where even Jon Rahm had a hard time finding a spot in the mid-afternoon sun, there McIlroy stood-with the two men who’ve been with him for decades and since the beginning of his golf dreams; his father, the affable Gerry McIlory and his swing coach Michael Bannon.

They were laughing out loud with each other, conversing generously on story after story that Gerry shared with his close company. McIlroy’s caddie and best friend Harry Diamond smiled near the bag as well, he shared this week that it takes Rory 40 balls to get to full out speed in his range sessions.

Rory got to 40 and was on a roll, until what some would call the great Open Championship spoiler-Stewart Cink-arrived and engaged with the reigning Masters champ.

Asked afterward what the topic of their giddy conversation was and Cink told Skratch that it was all about Rory’s Masters win, and the 2009 Open Champion told McIlroy that he was completely gutted for him as he missed the winning putt on the 72nd hole. Cink told Rory that it was easily the biggest pressure putt in golf history. “He was describing to me what that putt felt like to hit. I just couldn’t imagine,” Cink said.

McIlroy ended his ten minute break for storytelling with Cink and went straight back into full-out smash mode. At that stage, it didn’t feel like we were entering a fair fight for the week—if for no other reason than the crowd firmly on his side.

As McIlory left the range, he was met by a standing ovation from the crowd in the grandstands. The superstar waved in acknowledgement and seemed genuinely touched by the reception.

This reminded me of what Gary Woodland, who played with McIlroy last time the Open came here—told me this spring; that he’s never seen an energy as exciting as the Portrush crowd exuded toward their Rory than the second round in 2019, when the gallery willed their man to a 65 that ultimately left him one shot shy of the cut. McIlory memorably cried on the live broadcast in interviews afterwards, as he realized what he meant to his people.

This whole week I thought to myself, Woodland’s observation as the best energy he’s ever seen in 17 years on TOUR was in a defeat for Rory. Could we imagine what the crowd and atmosphere would be like if the Holywood native has an actual chance on Sunday.

So here we are.

Peter Doherty lives in Portrush, Northern Ireland with his wife and three kids and he’s been amazed by McIlroy’s energy and the crowd atmosphere this week and especially in Saturday’s third round.

“I suppose this is Rory’s first ever weekend at The Open in Northern Ireland, and for that reason, every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland (golf fans or not) are feeling, living and encouraging his every shot. If all we can do is cheer, we are happy to lose our voices if there’s a chance he takes some comfort or feeling of support from that,” Doherty said.

Doherty looks at the deficit to Scottie Scheffler with a glass half full attitude.

“We have two options. We can be defeatist and admit that our hopes of a Rory win are diminished or we can believe. We choose to believe,” Dohery said. “In the words of a local three year old when asked who is going to win, she responded ‘McIlroy!’”

Inside the ropes this week is Irish golf commentator Raymond Burns, who’s calling shots on The Open Radio. He’s seen much of the Rory energy on Saturday and throughout this championship.

“The thing that’s struck me the most the past few days in watching Rory and the crowds is the generations watching him together. Parents, grandparents, grandkids, and the like. It just shows how powerful a person he is among the Irish people,” Burns told me early Sunday morning. “And in many ways he’s like William Wallace in Braveheart. He unites all of us with his passion and he rallies his troops for a common cause. It’s just amazing. We all love to find cultural icons and he’s also charismatic like a Michael Collins character. We all love him and encourage him with anything we can.”

Sometimes that encouragement can be as simple as the ‘Rory, Rory’ chants while their man is teeing off.

Ed Hodge, an R&A official walking inside the ropes this week with Rory’s group, said he’s heard quite a number of roars of approval, as one might expect.

“It’s been huge home support for Rory this week,” Hodge said. ”There have been times when he has caught fire-for example his start yesterday-and the ‘Rory, Rory’ shouts from fans have been loud and proud.”

Another Irish commentator and caddie Harry Ewing has felt a palpable strong energy from the crowd at Portrush toward McIlroy.

“Just the pure buzz and energy of the crowd as he got off to his hot start on Saturday was amazing. The bogey on 11 and drama of the ball popping out of the ground followed by his eagle on 12—wow that is just pure drama that only Rory creates,” Ewing said.

Ewing is hoping for a big move in today’s final round as the pressure mounts on the local star. “Let’s hope for some excitement today. Rory would need a 63. It’s all about Scottie and how he plays,” Ewing said. (Editor's note: as this story is being edited, Scheffler holds a 7-shot lead, eight ahead of McIlroy)

John LiManti, the caddie for Adam Scott, says it’s been unique to take in the sights and sounds of the Portrush fans toward their man Rory. “The fans have been bringing some energy for their local hero. It’s been amazing.”

Matt Adams calls the action on Open Radio and he feels strongly towards the influence of McIlroy with his crowds as well.

“No golfer since Tiger Woods has connected with the fans such as Rory does. Difference being that Tiger was revered for being super-human and Rory for his human touch,” Adams said.