The home favourite endured a rollercoaster day as The Open returned to Portrush for the first time since he missed the cut in 2019, but despite only hitting two fairways he managed to finish under par

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

The final major of the golfing year takes place this week as the Open Championship takes place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland – with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood both teeing off

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).

The 153rd Open Championship teed off at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, featuring golf's elite like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm. McIlroy expressed excitement about playing on home soil.

Rory McIlroy has been tipped to compete at the top level for another decade before he even contemplates retirement. The Northern Irishman will tee off at the Open Championship at 3.10pm this afternoon, as he bids to win his sixth major title at Royal Portrush.

The last time the British Open came to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy missed the cut. Will he claim his second major of the year this time around?

While Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph earned him a long-awaited career grand slam, a home Open Championship win at Royal Portrush could be even more emotion for the North Irishman.