Rory McIlroy spent more than 10 minutes signing autographs after his Open Championship practice round on Tuesday and the Northern Irishman put some professional autograph hunters in their place

Sir Nick Faldo says Seve Ballesteros still ranks above Rory McIlroy as Europe’s greatest golfer. But the six-time Major winner believes the Ulsterman can change that by winning his home Open with the help of the crowd – and then adding more big titles in “another Major winning career”.

Jason Sobel on the oldest tradition at the Open Championship, betting, and how it is more enjoyable than ever.

Rory McIlroy was in a generous mood after his practice round at the Open Championship on Tuesday, spending more than 10 minutes signing autographs for fans

It is hard to judge precisely what the benefit might have been to Rory McIlroy of a ­second near-dawn circumnavigation of Royal Portrush, save for the joy it brought early risers on the Antrim coast.

The man at the door is a kind and friendly sort. He’s also not much of a golf fan, but there’s an artificial putting green in his back garden, and occasionally it draws strangers to his house on the corner of Strathearn Court and Belfast Road.

Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.