McDowell was at the centre of attention when the Open returned to Portrush six years ago. This time around, few will notice he’s not there at all.

World number one Scottie Scheffler is in town, as is Masters champion Rory McIlroy and new US Open champion JJ Spaun.

A change of scenery might be just what Rory McIlroy needs to shake off the doldrums since winning the Masters for the career ...