Rain lashed from above, North Atlantic winds pummeled from the side, and thousands of excited, umbrella-wielding shapes swirled amongst it all, yet the man at the eye of the storm remained entirely unflustered.

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.

Rory McIlroy fought hard against errors in his game to card a one-under-par opening round at Royal Portrush, sitting just three shots back of the lead in The Open Championship

If we were feeling especially dramatic, that might be the way we'd describe the scene on the first tee Thursday afternoon at around 3:10 p.m. British Standard Time, when Rory McIlroy hit what can be reasonably described as the most anticipated first tee shot of 2025.

The hometown hero is back at Royal Portrush, but Rory McIlroy was poor off the tee again as the Open Championship rolls on.

Jason Sobel on the oldest tradition at the Open Championship, betting, and how it is more enjoyable than ever.

The crowds of Northern Ireland appreciate good golf, and good golfers, but no one had as big of a reception as the native son. And Rory McIlroy gave them plenty to cheer for — with potential for even more over the next three days at the Open.

The final major of the golfing year takes place this week as the Open Championship takes place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland – with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood both teeing off