McIlroy travelled to Hoylake on Sunday afternoon following a brilliant victory in the Genesis Scottish Open.
The 42-year-old Northern Irishman held off the challenge of American pair Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson to win by three shots.
Norrman parred on the sudden death playoff hole to win his first PGA Tour title.
Christensen was the only amateur to make it through final qualifying across four venues.
A birdie-birdie finish completed a brilliant fightback by the Northern Irishman.
It was McIlroy’s first win on Scottish soil.
Tony Jacklin was that last Englishman to win an Open title in England back in 1969.
A third round of 67 ensured halfway leader McIlroy remained the man to catch at The Renaissance Club on 13 under par.
The elder Fitzpatrick has a US Open and two Ryder Cup appearances on his CV.
The Briton hit six birdies leaving him tied in second place going into the third day of the tournament.
