Rory McIlroy celebrates its Open success at Hoylake five years ago The 148th Open Championship, Royal PortrushDates: 18-21 JulyCoverage: live text updates and in-play clips on the BBC Sport website, with live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live and daily highlights on BBC Two FULL DETAILS
Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland says it would be hard not to "burst into tears" if he won the Open at home at Royal Portrush.
McIlroy shot a record of 61 on the track as a 16-year-old and securing the Claret Jug this week would be extra special for the 2014 winner.
"From here and with My memories of the course would probably mean a little more, "said the 30-year-old.
"I want to enjoy it and give these crowds something to cheer up."
McIlroy, along with other Northern Irish main winners Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, played a major role in the lead bringing the Open to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951.
"Growing up I never had that putt on my home course to win the Open at Royal Portrush – it was always St Andrews or Muirfield or anywhere," added the Holywood player.
"It says a lot about the country and the courses here. I think I took it for granted, but it certainly gave me an advantage.
" Ever since I was seven, eight t or nine and so far I have had good memories of Royal Portrush and hopefully the Open will be a great memory again. "
Those memories include meeting Darren Clarke on the North Shore connections when he was 10 and his former Ryder Cup captain and the 2011 Open Victor will take the first blow when the action starts on Thursday.
The Open 2019: & # 39; It & # 39; s spectacular, unbelievable & # 39; – McIlroy on Royal Portrush
McIlroy, who has not contributed to his list of four majors since 2014, is determined to enjoy the spotlight while home fans put their hopes on the world number three
"One of my goals here coming is to enjoy the moment – to enjoy being in the spotlight and being the center of attention, "he said.
"Now that I am here and see that everything comes to fruition, it is difficult not to think about having a putt to win the Open.
" Me don't get so emotional in golf. I can separate the emotion from it and the logic, but if it did, it would cost me a lot not to burst. "19459002]