McIlroy didn't play his best Thursday at Royal Portrush but shot 1-under 70 and is three shots off the 18-hole lead.

Rory McIlroy shot 1 under Thursday at Royal Portrush, a better start than the first time he played the British Open at the Northern Ireland course near home.

If we were feeling especially dramatic, that might be the way we'd describe the scene on the first tee Thursday afternoon at around 3:10 p.m. British Standard Time, when Rory McIlroy hit what can be reasonably described as the most anticipated first tee shot of 2025.

The hometown hero is back at Royal Portrush, but Rory McIlroy was poor off the tee again as the Open Championship rolls on.

The 2025 British Open is underway at Royal Portrush, where the best golfers in the world will be battling the conditions and each other for the Claret Jug in the final major of the year.

Rain lashed from above, North Atlantic winds pummeled from the side, and thousands of excited, umbrella-wielding shapes swirled amongst it all, yet the man at the eye of the storm remained entirely unflustered.

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.

The crowds of Northern Ireland appreciate good golf, and good golfers, but no one had as big of a reception as the native son. And Rory McIlroy gave them plenty to cheer for — with potential for even more over the next three days at the Open.

Jason Sobel on the oldest tradition at the Open Championship, betting, and how it is more enjoyable than ever.