PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The moment that surprised Rory McIlroy the most when he played the 2019 Britidh Open at Royal Portrush—the first Open held in his home country of Northern Ireland since 1951—was the ovation on the first tee.

On Monday, golfer Rory McIlroy walked over to spectators wanting his autograph, including on one large flag of his native Northern Ireland. He returns home to be celebrated as much as the fans want to see him end a more special year on a spectacular note at the British Open.