The four-time major winner was the main attraction in Newcastle all week – and overwhelmingly so.
The crowds that followed him on Sunday were not a million miles off what he would expect to see at a major and he almost produced the most thrilling finale when two crushing blows at the par-five 18th gave him an eagle putt and a shot at forcing a play-off.
Indeed, the noise when McIlroy’s approach landed on the green and rolled to 10 feet was deafening – and that was not lost on the world number three.
“I must say, that roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool,” he added.
“The support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I certainly don’t take it for granted.
“I had to try to keep my composure walking up to the 18th green there. Wish I could play in front of those fans and this atmosphere every week.
“From where I was at the start of the week and what I wanted to do, it’s a step in the right direction. You know, if anything, it just whets my appetite even more for Portrush [the Open Championship] next year.”