Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

The "Golden Bear" and 18-time major winner won the first of his three Opens and completed the first of his three career grand slams along the southeastern Scottish coast in 1966, then called the par-71 layout "the best golf course in Britain."

The 153rd Open Championship is underway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland on Thursday. Irish golfer Shane Lowry is among the favorites as the tournament returns to the course for the first time since his win in 2019.

The PGA Tour's Open Championship begins on Thursday in Scotland, where the top players on tour will compete at the Royal Portrush Golf Club's Dunluce Course.

SportsLine golf expert Brady Kannon just locked in his PGA Tour best bets for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Royal Portrush Golf Club has 156 of the best players in the world this week on its true championship course, Dunluce Links, for the British Open (or Open Champi

Royal Portrush is not only open to visitors, but its yearly membership dues are what the average American golfer spends on public tee times.

Rory McIlroy puts Portrush demons to bed as push for sixth major title begins - The struggles of 2019 are but a distant memory