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.

Six years after recording a quadruple-bogey 8 on No. 1 at Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy carded a bogey-5 en route to a 1-under 70 that left him right in the mix at the Open. "I didn't feel like I was walking into the unknown this time around,

Rory McIlroy starts strong at Royal Portrush, his first hole showing promise despite thick rough. Odds favor him as top contender in Northern Ireland.

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,