The second round of The Open begins on Friday with home favourite Rory McIlroy out early and right in contention to win a second Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. McIlroy carded a first round of 70 to sit at -1 and just one shot back,

A thrilling 2025 golf season has reached its final major as The Open Championship continues its 153rd playing on Friday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The oldest golf tournament in the world is back in Portrush for the first time in six years with the Claret Jug set to be awarded on site Sunday for just the third time in event history.

PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy turns heads with bold outfit in return to Royal Portrush ahead of The Open Championship.

Yes. McIlroy debuted at the 2007 British Open as a low amateur. Since then, he has managed one win at the final golf major of the year. McIlroy finally completed the feat at the 2014 British Open, when the tournament was held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Holylake, England.

McIlroy ejected on the first hole and ultimately missed the cut when The Open was last played in his home country of Northern Ireland

McIlroy said Monday that he was overwhelmed by the reception he received six years ago in his home of Northern Ireland. Now a Grand Slam winner, he's ready for this week's championship.

"It's nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times," Rory McIlroy said of his return to Royal Portrush for the British Open.

The Open Championship got underway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Co. Antrim on Thursday and Rory McIlroy has been welcomed back in classic Paddy Power style. The Irish bookmaker, notorious for displaying gag signs at major sporting events,