The first time that Royal Portrush hosted the Open Championship since 1951, there was heaps of pressure on McIlroy, the biggest sporting star from Northern Ireland since George Best played for Manchester United in the 1960s and 70s, to win. He shot a 79 on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy conquered his golfing Everest by securing Grand Slam glory in April, but The Open provides an opportunity to climb another mountain and deliver more major redemption.

The final men's major of the year is here, as the 2025 British Open Championship kicks off Thursday morning at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Ahead of the Open Championship this week in his homeland Rory McIlroy has dawned his newly won Green Jacket at Royal Portrush.

Former major champion Graeme McDowell believes the weight of expectation could harm Rory McIlroy's chances of a home major victory at The Open.

By the time Rory McIlroy finished his first practice round for the British Open at Royal Portrush, a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine was waiting to see him finish.

Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the site of Shane Lowry's triumph in 2019. As has been the case all year, the strong favorites entering the tournament are Scottie Scheffler (9/2) and Rory McIlroy (7-1).

Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.