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 R&A posted its local rules and added a second document for "additional local rules" at the 2025 British Open, one of which pertains to Spidercam.

The British Open is underway at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Two-time champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. Xander Schauffele of the United States is trying to become the first player since Harrington in 2007-08 to win the Open in successive years.

After starting his Thursday with an eagle on the second hole en route to a first-round 67, Matt Fitzpatrick is right at the top of the British Open leaderboard. A four-under start at Royal Portrush is nothing to sneeze at,

Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are offering reminders that the British Open doesn't discriminate against older players.

Fickle weather and funny bounces are classic features of links golf and it makes the British Open a test of the mind as much as anything else.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Jacob Skov Olesen is the surprise co-leader of the 153rd British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

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