A closer look at Rory McIlroy’s bid to move into contention at Royal Birkdale

Rory McIlroy’s needed a strong second round to get his Open challenge back on track at Royal Birkdale.

The Press Association’s Andy Hampson walked the course with the 37-year-old.

Here he takes a closer look at how events unfolded for McIlroy on Friday.

Hole 1: There was no doubt McIlroy would have the crowd behind him, as was clear from the first shouts of, ‘Come on Rory’ as he made his way across the elevated players’ walkway to the first tee. The cheers grew as he entered the amphitheatre surrounding the tee but there was no sign of pressure as he parred the opening hole, sharing banter with playing partner Matt Fitzpatrick as he made his way down the fairway.

Hole 2: The driver came out for the first time and to stunning effect with a perfect tee shot setting up his first birdie of the day. The size of his following was again in evidence with hundreds stood on the sand dunes surrounding the green and letting out a huge roar when his putt dropped, far louder than that for Fitzpatrick’s birdie moments earlier.

Hole 3: Another perfect tee shot was followed by the first significant hold-up of the round as the players waited for the group ahead to clear the green. There was a hint of a grimace as he hit his approach slightly off the ideal line but he still found the edge of the green and a well-weighted lag putt ensured a par.

Hole 4: Gasps quickly turned to applause as a tee shot that momentarily seemed like it could end up in a bunker took a lucky bounce to set up another birdie opportunity. His 24ft putt was almost perfect, stopping just short of the hole, offering encouragement after Thursday’s difficulties on the greens.

Hole 5: “Is he going for it?” asked one onlooker as he pulled a big wood out of his bag. Indeed