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

Dan Rapaport pointed out during Dan on Golf that Rory could make a success of this tournament, even though he had a few lackluster releases after winning the Masters.

As the Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush, those who saw Rory McIlroy shoot a record 61 around the course as a 16-year-old remember it as the day he went to "the next level" in his career.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Rory McIlroy practically had Royal Portrush all to himself Monday morning, but not for long. By the time he finished his first practice round for the British Open — his first time back on these links in 2,187 days — there was a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine to see him finish.

After a decade-long chase, the Northern Irishman finally completed golf's career Grand Slam at Augusta — then experienced the psychological letdown that psychologists say commonly follows the achievement of a lifelong goal.

McIlroy returns home as he goes in search of a second Claret Jug but had plans that involved his green jacket.