Half a dozen strokes in arrears to Scheffler – who carded a bogey-free 67 to open up a four-shot cushion over Li Haotong – McIlroy is unlikely to win.
Hoisting the Claret Jug on home turf was, of course, his target, but he seems willing to treat this week as his soul-stirring post-Masters homecoming.
McIlroy is 36. It is unclear when Portrush will next host the Open, but there is no guarantee the five-time major winner will still be one of the game’s superstars when it does.
With that, both player and fans have been keen to savour every moment this week after McIlroy admitted to not holding up his end of the bargain in 2019.
The fans certainly have all week. From getting out of their beds for his early-Monday morning practice round to gathering in astonishing numbers on Saturday, they have energised and lifted him at every turn.
On Saturday, in particular, the chants of “Rory, Rory, Rory” against the backdrop of roars from other parts of the course gave the afternoon a Ryder Cup Sunday-feel.
“I’ve come here really just trying to embrace it,” he said.
“If I hadn’t have won a major this year, if I hadn’t have won the Masters, I might have felt differently.
“It’s almost a celebration of what I’ve been able to accomplish. I want to celebrate with them too. I’ve just really tried to embrace everything this week.
“I’m having an incredible time. I’m really enjoying myself, and I feel like I’ve given myself half a chance now, and I’m excited for tomorrow.”
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