McIlroy won’t let home crowd hype upset him

– The British Open returns to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years this week at Royal Portrush, giving Rory McIlroy, right, the opportunity on home soil to end his five-year major drought.

The four-time major champion has not lifted one of golf’s big four since winning the 2014 US PGA Championship, but is the bookmakers’ favourite to get his hands on the Claret Jug after finishing tied for second a year ago at Carnoustie, two strokes behind Francesco Molinari.

McIlroy has continued his consistent form this season, claiming two titles, including the prestigious Players’ Championship while recording 11 top-10 finishes.

He admitted it would be a dream come true to triumph at a club where, as a 16-year-old, he fired a course record 61.

“It would mean the world to me,” said the Northern Irishman, who won the 2014 Open at Hoylake. “But just like winning Hoylake meant the world to me as well. Just getting my hands on that Claret Jug again would be a huge accomplishment.”

World No 3 McIlroy, who won the 2016 Irish Open at the K Club just outside Dublin, was keen to play down the pressure of playing in front of his home fans.

“I think it’s going to feel normal. It’s going to feel like just another Open Championship,” said the 30-year-old after a solid showing at last week’s Scottish Open.

“I’ve played in a few of them now. I know what to expect. Might be a little louder.

“Atmosphere might be a bit different but the objective is the same, to go there and play good golf and hopefully give myself a chance to win the Claret Jug.”

Also among the favourites is red-hot world No 1 Brooks Koepka and a resurgent Tiger Woods.

But the fans will roar loudest for McIlroy and his compatriots, including 2011 Open champion Darren Clarke, who will have the honour of hitting the first tee shot of the tournament.

Woods will play professionally in Northern Ireland for the first time as he seeks a 16th major.

Italian Molinari says he has kept good care of the Claret Jug since his triumph 12 months ago.

“We’ve had a couple of drinks out of it. Nothing out of the ordinary,” he said. “I’ve got small kids at home so I had to keep it out of reach most of the time to avoid disaster.” –