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.

A deluge did land as McIlroy was making his way up the 18th hole, where he was greeted by a sea of umbrellas and a huge roar from the crowds huddled beneath them, who are only too delighted to have their hero around for two more days after he worked hard for a two-under second round of 69 to add to his opening 70.

Rory McIlroy remains in contention heading into the weekend of The Open Championship, and the Northern Irishman has the benefit of having the home crowd behind him