15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Rory McIlroy presented with drawing of himself by young fan at the Open
Rory McIlroy was presented with a drawing of himself from a young fan at the Open in Portrush today.
Teenager Lucia Heaney gave McIlroy a copy of her drawing before the golfer signed a portrait for Lucia to keep for herself.
The 15-year-old from Magherafelt won Tourism Northern Ireland's art competition with her portrait of the Grand Slam winner.
Lucia's winning design featuring the Harland and Wolff Cranes and the Giant's Causeway.
Holywood star McIlroy, who sealed the career Grand Slam when he won the Masters in April, is one of the big draws at this week's Open.
Speaking on Monday, McIlroy admitted he would take a different approach at Royal Portrush after the disappointment of missing the cut at The Open there in 2019.
"I spoke at the Masters, the battle was with myself. Whenever you get put in environments like that, it's you trying to overcome your mind and give yourself that clarity to put together a really good performance," he said.
Who is Rory McIlroy and what is golf's Career Grand Slam?
"In 2019 I probably tried to isolate and it's better for everyone if I embrace it. It's better for me because it's nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle to accept it sometimes, but it's also nicer for the person because it's a nicer interaction.
"I'm going to embrace everything that comes my way this week and not try to hide away from it and that will make it a better experience for everyone involved."
