Fans pile in as Unionist politician claims Rory McIlroy as British after Irish Open win

Trying to stir up division....

And in his own words, it was a victory in his 'National Open'.

For years McIlroy's allegiances have been under severe scrutiny, with fans eager for the golfer to nail his colours to the either the Irish or British mast.

The Holywood man has said in the past that he feels Northern Irish, but appearances in the last couple of Olympics under the tricolour has pushed him more towards the Irish side.

He also competed under the Irish flag alongside Graeme McDowell at the 2009 World Cup.

After the win on the weekend, he tweeted: "To win my National Open in front of these fans was absolutely incredible. I love coming home, I love playing in this atmosphere and I’ll never take it for granted. Forever grateful for the support."

In what was a clear attempt to stir the pot, Ulster Unionist Party MLA Jon Burrows said on X: "Northern Ireland’s finest sportsman and the best golfer the British Isles has ever produced. Well done @McIlroyRory".

While some might debate that Ireland is part of the British Isles, the contentious issue drew the ire of fans on social media.

One wrote: "Winning at home, on irish soil in front of all his adoring irish fans must mean so much to him. Well done Rory the greatest golfer Ireland has ever produced."

Burrows responded: "It’s not political - let’s all enjoy his success."

To further muddy the waters, Burrows also retweeted McIlroy's post.....

After his final round, McIlroy said: "The support of the crowd out there and playing in that atmosphere, especially coming down those last few holes knowing what I needed to do, the crowd spurred me on.

"It’s an incredible day. That eagle putt on the 18 to get into the play-off will probably go down as one of the coolest moments in my career.

"It has taken me a while to get to this place, where I do embrace it and enjoy it.

"After the year I have had, and the career I have had, to be able to come home in front of these crowds and feel the love, and show them my appreciation for their support over the years, I love it."