McIlroy could not reproduce his Saturday magic to catch Scottie Scheffler, but he still achieved a level of redemption at his home Open

If McIlroy didn’t quite deliver, then Royal Portrush — where he shot 61 as a 16-year-old for the course record — certainly did, gaining widespread rave reviews.

Rory McIlroy hung around to savor the moment, soaking in the adulation that rained down on him on Royal Portrush’s 18th green.

Scottie Scheffler continued his run of dominance on Sunday, winning the Open Championship by four strokes, his third major championship in the past two years and fourth overall.

Rory McIlroy was the story coming in, but he had to give Scottie Scheffler his flowers after the American won the Open Championship.

The Open Championship isn't over. McIlroy and everyone else in contention have to believe they have a chance. But they're chasing a guy who's almost impossible to catch.