Royal Portrush

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 17: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the first hole during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Thousands watch Rory McIlroy tee off at 2025 Open Championship

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy tees off the first to open his Open Championship bid at Royal Portrush. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

WATCH: Wait over as Rory McIlroy tees off to open Royal Portrush major bid

China's Haotong Li on the 18th during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Picture date: Thursday July 17, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

See Darren Clarke, Tom McKibbin, Shane Lowry on Day One of The Open

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 17: Spectators with umbrellas watch on in the rain during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

GALLERY: Fans brave the elements at Royal Portrush as The Open gets underway

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 17: Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

WATCH: Darren Clarke produces moment of magic at 'bigger and better' Open

Bushmills Whiskey and Malbon Golf team up for limited edition capsule collection

China's Haotong Li on the 18th during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Picture date: Thursday July 17, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Met Office reveal weather for Open Championship in Portrush

Ireland's Padraig Harrington arrives on the first tee at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush

WATCH: Padraig Harrington admits he was emotional before first tee at the Open

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 17: Jon Rahm of Spain stands with his caddie on the second hole during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Former Ryder Cup captain believes weather will bring 'volatility' to The Open

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin tees off the first on day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

Tom McKibbin reflects on 'up and down day' at the first round of the Open

Padraig Harrington tees off the first to start day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Padraig Harrington with first tee shot to launch Open at Royal Portush

Rory taking time out for the fans Out on the Final Practice day of The 153rd Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush Desmond Loughery Pacemaker press

See how Rory McIlroy makes time for fans at the Open Championship🏌️‍♀️

Morning View

Editorial: The Open will help the world to see the best of Northern Ireland

South Africa's Justin Walters walks from the 1st on day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Picture date: Thursday July 17, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Pictures from Day One of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

Rory McIlroy believes Open winner will 'need to show artistry'

Golf flavoured ice cream goes on sale at Morelli's.

Morelli's launches 'golf' flavoured ice cream as Open gets underway in Portrush
Tourism Ireland has joined forces with family-owned, Northern Ireland ice cream brand Morelli's, to create an unusual new ice cream flavour to mark The Open at Portrush.
Staff Reporter

The world number one has dominated golf in recent times, and is gunning for a fourth major championship. Victory here would put him a US Open away from completing the career Grand Slam, just like Rory McIlroy did at the Masters in April.

RANKED: Which 10 players have the best chance of winning The Open?

Larry Homenuik spoke to the News Letter from the spectator village at Royal Portrush

WATCH: Canadian travels the extra mile to watch this year's Open Championship

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays from the 8th tee during practice ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 16, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

What have the professionals said about Royal Portrush ahead of The Open?

Dr Jimmy McAlesse, chairman, Hummingbird Causeway charity and Leigh Carey, ceo Hummingbird Project at The Open 2025

Charity supports mental health at The Open

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy signs autographs for fans beside the 9th green during practice ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

GALLERY: Local hero Rory McIlroy makes time for fans at Royal Portrush

1 Ballinlea Road, Ballintoy, Ballycastle, BT54 6NQ 3 Bed Detached House

This stunning coastal property is 'a stones throw' from Portrush and Ballycastle

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland putts alongside caddie Harry Diamond during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Harry Diamond provides 'hitting it well' Rory McIlroy update ahead of The Open

Justin Rose tees off on the 14th hole during a practice round at Royal Portrush. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Justin Rose over Masters 'comedown' after Rory McIlroy win and ready for Open

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy interacts with fans as he walks to the 2nd tee during practice ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 16, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Rory McIlroy win The Open 2025? Fans give their predictions

JJ Spaun at his Royal Portrush media conference heading into this week's Open Championship. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Major champion JJ Spaun bringing 'weird feeling' to Royal Portrush

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 16: Mark Darbon, CEO of The R&A, speaks to the media during a press conference prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 16, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Mark Darbon believes R&A have 'got the balance just right' on Open prize money
R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon believes they’ve “got the balance just right” after revealing prize money at The Open Championship 2025 will remain the same as 12 months ago.
Johnny Morton

Portrush native Ricky Elliott has worked with American star Brooks Koepka since 2013. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Meet the other Northern Irishmen joining Rory McIlroy on course at The Open

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 16: Ryan Peake of Australia tees off on the first hole during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 16, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The former gang member taking his spot amongst the world's elite at The Open

Rory out on Day Three Practice day of The 153rd Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush Desmond Loughery Pacemaker press

Here are pictures of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Tom McKibbin practice

The stunning sand mural at Downhill Beach. (Photo: Sky Ireland)

WATCH: Names of local winners etched into stunning sand mural

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 15, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Former Ryder Cup captain weighs in on Rory McIlroy debate

Adrian Drake spoke to the News Letter at the back of the 7th green at Royal Portrush

WATCH: Rory McIlroy win on home soil would be special says fan

There was a mixed bag of weather on Tuesday during practice at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush

Weather fails to dampen spirits as Tuesday's practice round is unaffected

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin during the third practice round ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

Jon Rahm says he is 'jealous' of Tom McKibbin's 'calmness' on the course

Rory McIlroy has been paired with Tommy Fleetwood and American rival Justin Thomas in the opening two rounds at The Open

Home favourite Rory McIlroy given mid-afternoon tee time for Open first round

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin on the 18th during Tuesday's practice round

The Open 2025 diary: Home heroes Rory, Darren and Tom thrill Royal Portrush fans

Carl Laverty enjoying the sun at Royal Portrush

Local trio in practice action as fans enjoy Royal Portrush experience

Scotland's Robert Macintyre during a Royal Portrush press conference ahead of The 153rd Open Championship. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

'I’m fiery on the golf course' - Robert MacIntyre with message before Portrush

Shane Lowry smiles during a press conference held ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Shane Lowry 'rejuvenated' and happy to share a smile over Open preparations

The Open 2025 diary: Rory McIlroy main attraction at Royal Portrush

How much prize money is up for grabs at The Open Championship 2025?

Portrush ticket perfect bonus for Chris Gotterup off Scottish success

Xander Schauffele is the reigning Open champion after sealing victory at Royal Troon. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Who is competing at The Open 2025? Full field for Royal Portrush showpiece

Rory McIlroy feels 'very capable' of achieving Open Championship glory

A dejected Rory McIlroy on the 18th hole after an eight-over par opening round at the 2019 Open Championship. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

'It feels like a bit of a blur' - Rory McIlroy reflects on 2019 Open memories

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 14: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland signs autographs for fans during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 14, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy ready to embrace The Open Championship 2025 homecoming

Rory McIlroy getting some advice from a friendly marshal after arriving at The Open Championship. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

Meet the unsung heroes playing a key role at The Open Championship

Dessie Loughery (left) will be taking pictures at this year's Open Championship. He was pictured here several years ago with former golf star Gary Player.

Popular photographer ready to swap footballs for golf balls at Open Championship

NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - JULY 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after thinking his got a hole-in-one on the 12th hole on day four of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 13, 2025 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy heading to The Open with 'renewed enthusiasm and excitement'

NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - JULY 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts as he practices on the driving range on day four of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 13, 2025 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

How much prize money did Rory McIlroy earn at Scottish Open 2025?

Brian Twite, who played at The Open at Royal Portrush in 1951. (Photo: The Metropolitan GC (Dayle Marshall, Head of member services)

1951 Open Championship: Royal Portrush brings back fond memories for 98-year-old

The Campbell family from Londonderry pictured at the first practice round at this year's Open Championship

Royal Portrush opens its gates as fans enjoy practice round ahead of the Open

2019 Open Championship: Shane Lowry thrills Royal Portrush crowd

Rory McIlroy pictured at the 2005 Irish Open less than two months before shooting 61 at Royal Portush. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy reflects on record-breaking Portrush feat ahead of Open return

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