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.

Rickie Fowler has received a healthy dose of criticism for the allotment of sponsor exemptions he’s received this season. And it is one of those invites that has Fowler in the mix at the Open Championship.

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."

Fickle weather and funny bounces are classic features of links golf, making the British Open a test of the mind as much as anything else. Perhaps, then, it’s no surprise to see Sadom Kaewkanjana near the top of the leaderboard at Royal Portrush.

Matt Fitzpatrick was asked on camera to rate his opening round at the 153rd British Open on Thursday. He smiled and didn’t have to think long.

You'll have to forgive Marc Leishman, who has played in just one major championship since the end of 2022. During that three-year span, he clearly forgot that they can be absolute slogs when it comes to pace of play.

Phil Mickelson recorded his best opening round at an Open Championship since 2016 on Thursday at 1-under 70, and he had one of the most impressive highlights of the day.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Jacob Skov Olesen is the surprise co-leader of the 153rd British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club.