After his second round of the 153rd Open, Rory McIlroy was again recalling his visit to ... challenge but if anyone has the tools to meet that challenge, it is McIlroy. As this golf course found out a long time before most of us.

Bookmark this play if Rory McIlroy is in the mix this weekend for the claret jug. McIlroy overcame a shaky driver to turn in a one-under 70 Thursday at Royal Portrush and opened his second round with a birdie.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy achieved the first part of his mission at Royal Portrush on Friday -- making the cut. Now the 36-year-old cannot wait for the weekend's battle as he seeks a second British Open title.

Rory McIlroy came close to finishing among the leaders in the first round of the Open, but the back nine proved it can be a tough challenge for anyone.

McIlroy, playing in front of his home crowd in Northern Ireland, trying to match his 2014 feat of winning two majors in one season. But emotions ran high during his second round. After a brilliant drive on the par-4 15th, Rory misfired on his approach and let out an expletive that was picked up on live TV.

Rory McIlroy is hoping to win a second Claret Jug at The Open, but the Northern Irishman let his emotions get the better of him during his second round at Royal Portrush

Rory McIlroy is racing around Royal Portrush again. A smart choice on the 2nd hole kept him in the hunt at the Open while you were sleeping.

It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.