Saturday was a special day for the McIlroy family as World Number Three Rory celebrated his father Gerry's 65th birthday by playing with him at the Old Course at St Andrews.
The father and son are partners in the team competition at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and as an extra present to his dad, Rory produced some of his very best golf as he made seven birdies on the front nine.
Although the pair were unable to make the cut in an extremely competitive team event, their surroundings ensured Gerry's 65th birthday will be one to remember.
During an on-course interview, Rory said: "It's absolutely incredible.
"To stroll around the Old Course with my dad on his birthday - it's always been nice. We've played the Dunhill many times together and it's usually the week of his birthday.
Just a son watching his and his Dad's golf swings ❤️#dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/cYc3Hk10C1
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 5, 2024
"So we've done this a few times but to do it on his 65th, it's a cool occasion and thankfully I've made a few birdies for his birthday.
"(My parents) have been my biggest supporters, my biggest fans.
"They've been absolutely amazing. They've been with me, obviously, every step of the way.
"To be able to enjoy things like this with both of them this week, they would say it made all their hard work worthwhile but I can only do my best for them and try to make them proud, which I hope they are.
"It's lovely to still be able to spend so much time with them."
