A bungled opening tee shot raised concern but home favourite escaped with a bogey and showed glimpses of good form as weather improved
He waits, driving iron in hand, as one minute becomes three, then five. Enough time for the moment to grow even bigger. And for memories to flicker spitefully back to life.
Finally the call comes. “This is game number 46. On the tee from Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy.”