It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of The Open Championship, and Northern Ireland's own Rory McIlroy is among the betting favorites entering the men's final major of the season.But he's not THE favorite.

McIlroy, playing with Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood, is one of the early starters in Friday’s second round and sits just three shots behind the leaders overnight, with world No 1 Scottie Scheffler,

The final major of the season is here. Follow along for live updates, scores, highlights and more from the first round of the 2025 British Open.

Just four rounds separate the start of The Open Championship and the hosting of the Claret Jug signifying the crowning of Champion Golfer of the Year. Across 72 holes at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland,