'If home crowds can't help you, nothing can', says McIlroy

Rory McIlroy said on Wednesday that he is not feeling extra pressure this week as the British Open returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951, and is hoping home fans can help him end a five-year major drought.

The world number three is the bookmakers' favourite to lift the Claret Jug for the second time on Sunday, despite not having claimed a major title since the 2014 PGA Championship.

He said in the past he struggled being the focus of attention at Irish Opens, although he did win that tournament in 2016.

"I think it's probably easier this week because it's such a big tournament," said McIlroy, who opens his title tilt at Royal Portrush at 0909 GMT on Thursday alongside US Open winner Gary Woodland and England's Paul Casey.

"You've got the best players in the world here, and I don't feel like I'm the centre of attention.

"I'm here to enjoy myself. Hopefully it doesn't take another 68 years for the tournament to come back here. But at the same time, I mightn't get an opportunity to play an Open Championship here again.

"I'm really just treating it as a wonderful experience and one that I really want to enjoy.

"I'm going to love being out there and having the crowds and having the support. If that can't help you, then nothing can."
"But it's really cool."
- 'It's the same golf course' -
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