Irishman Padraig Harrington teed off The 153rd Open and was the first one to notch a birdie on the day, generating some noise from the Northern Ireland crowd.

So it came as a bit of a jolt for American audiences who woke up Thursday morning to see Lee Westwood near the top of the leaderboard at the British Open. (Also up there: Phil Mickelson, who outdueled Westwood in 2010 at the Masters. Fifteen years ago.)

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."

A thrilling 2025 golf season has reached its final major with The Open Championship entering its 153rd playing this week at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The oldest golf tournament in the world returns to Portrush for the first time in six years with the Claret Jug set to be awarded on site Sunday for just the third time.

Jacob Skov Olesen of Denmark is tied for the lead in the British Open. Here's what to know about the 26-year-old.

The Open Championship is underway, and golf's final major of 2025 will feature a competitive chase to make the projected cut. Here's the latest.

The British Open got underway on Thursday morning at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, and it was clear from the get-go that the golf was going to b

Let's take a look at the weather forecast for the 2025 Open Championship. Thursday will be the windiest day of the week, according to forecasters, who are calling for cloudy conditions with winds at 15-25 mph from the southeast. Expect temperatures in the upper 60s and rain showers for most of the day.

SportsLine golf expert Brady Kannon just locked in his PGA Tour best bets for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Golf's oldest championship returns to Royal Portrush. It's the third time the British Open has gone to the Northern Ireland links. Shane Lowry won in 2019.