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.

Yahoo Sports s Jay Busbee recaps the opening day of action at Royal Portrush - which features five players tied for the lead, the second most ever in 153 editions of The Open Championship.

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.

T ony Finau was sailing along just fine until he stumbled with a bogey on the par-4 17th in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland on Thursday. He is tied for 20th with a round of 1-under-par 70.

Scottie Scheffler settled, settled and settled until he surged through the finish line of his opening 18 holes at the 2025 Open Championship. Signing for a first-round 68 to position himself one stroke behind the early co-leaders of Matt Fitzpatrick,

Scottie Scheffler successfully navigated the adverse weather conditions to post an excellent first round at the Open Championship.

The 153rd edition of the British Open is underway at Royal Portrush. Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. That was a fitting choice.

While Amen Corner in Augusta spans three holes, Royal Portrush's Calamity Corner is just one hole: No. 16 — a 236-yard par 3. The wind swept dunes and overgrown rough surrounding the green make this hole an absolute nightmare for those who miss the putting surface.