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.

Padraig Harrington struck the first tee shot as the 153rd British Open started in cloudy conditions at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

TWO-TIME CHAMPION Pádraig Harrington got the 153rd Open Championship under way, backed by loud Irish support at Royal Portrush. With watery sunshine breaking through the clouds overhead and a stiff breeze blowing right-to-left and into his face the 53-year-old,

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 Open Championship is the oldest golf tournament in the world, and the final men’s major championship of the season.

The 153rd Open Championship begins July 17. The oldest golf tournament in the world is returning for its 153rd edition this week. The 2025 British Open begins on Thursday, July 17 at 1:30 a.m. ET on NBC,