Rory McIlroy's legion of fans came in hope more than expectation to the final day of the British Open at Royal Portrush.

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.

Rory McIlroy didn’t leave Portrush with the Claret Jug under his arm Sunday night, but he was a winner nonetheless at the 153rd British Open.

Six years after his emotional missed cut at Royal Portrush, McIlroy stuck around for four days of heavy praise from the hometown crowd, which showered McIlroy all the way through his 10-under performance and T-7 finish.