It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago.

As we finally catch our breath after a sensational week of golf at the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, the question on everyone's lips is...when can we do it all again? The return of one of the world of sport's most iconic championships to Northern Ireland in 2019 was huge given the 68-year wait to have the great and the good of golf battling it out for the Claret Jug back on these shores once more.

Legendary golfer Phil Mickelson continues to defy expectations, competing in another major championship at the age of 55. The lefty shot one under par through the first round at Royal Portrush and delivered a jaw-dropping moment on the third hole.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy birdied three of his first four holes to mount a third-round charge as world number Scottie Scheffler maintained his British Open lead in perfect scoring conditions on Saturday.