PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland -- Twelve hours after Rory McIlroy wrapped up a second-place finish at the Scottish Open near Edinburgh, the five-time major winner walked up to the first tee at Royal Portrush around 7 a.m. local time, on four hours of sleep, and began his first practice round in advance of this year's Open Championship.

Golf fans descend in great numbers on Monday morning to catch Rory McIlroy's first practice round at Royal Portrush ahead of this week's Open.

Rory McIlroy is back on home soil at Royal Portrush this week, with the Northern Irishman looking to win his second major title of the 2025 season at The Open Championship

Chris Gotterup won the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, securing his biggest career victory and a spot in the Open Championship. Gotterup, ranked 158th in the world before the tournament, held off a competitive field including Rory McIlroy to win by two strokes.

Gotterup was one shot ahead of McIlroy when he hit his tee shot on the 196-yard 12th hole to 2 feet for birdie — McIlroy missed from 4 feet — to take command. Gotterup’s lead was down to one over McIlroy and England’s Marco Penge,

Rory McIlroy came within a whisker of his second Genesis Scottish Open title, but ultimately finished two strokes behind a surprising winner.