4 h. ago Rory McIlroy and his fans breathe sigh of relief as escape act keeps him in hunt: OLIVER HOLT follows the home favourite as he banishes 2019 Portrush demons

OLIVER HOLT AT ROYAL PORTRUSH: There was a sense of foreboding around the first tee at Royal Portrush when Rory McIlroy emerged into the gloomy light of an Ulster summer's day.

Society

5 h. ago The Open tee times: Second round groupings and start times at Royal Portrush including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler

McIlroy, playing with Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood, is one of the early starters in Friday’s second round and sits just three shots behind the leaders overnight, with world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, well-placed at three under, set for a late start and finish on Friday alongside Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa

Politics

6 h. ago You don’t want to let them down – Rory McIlroy on pressure of being home hope

The Northern Irishman was cheered throughout his opening round at Royal Portrush.

Events

9 h. ago British Open: Rory McIlroy puts Portrush demons to bed as push for sixth major title begins

The struggles of 2019 are but a distant memory

Politics

10 h. ago Home favourite Rory McIlroy rewards fans with strong start at Royal Portrush

McIlroy reached the turn in two under par.

Events

10 h. ago Hamilton boccia star Steph McGuire earns double gold at European championship

Steph MBE won both the individual and pairs titles in his first major international since last year's Paralympic success

Politics

19 h. ago The Open chaos sees Rory McIlroy throwback as stars toil at Royal Portrush first

Treacherous Championship beginning for the first tournament groups

Events

21 h. ago How to watch The Open 2025: TV channel, live stream and times for first round

McIlroy aiming for second major title of the calendar year

Politics

22 h. ago How to watch The Open 2025 in the UK: TV channel, live stream and times for first round

McIlroy aiming for second major title of the calendar year

Politics

29 h. ago Rory McIlroy makes honest Open admission after nightmare Portrush moment

Rory McIlroy is attempting to follow up on his Masters triumph earlier this year with victory in The Open, which gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday morning

Events

30 h. ago Will we see Green Jacket Rory or meltdown mayhem? McIlroy returns to Portrush with Open dreams

OLIVER HOLT: . After he had been presented with a trophy for Golfer of the Year, he made a joke about how he wanted to make sure he turned up for the event.

Politics

34 h. ago Rory McIlroy in dreamland as home Open at Royal Portrush comes with weight warning that could crush him

Northern Irish superstar is ready to rock but his fellow countryman can see a major hazard to golfing glory in his own backyard

Events

35 h. ago Rory McIlroy must scale emotional mountain in search of home Open glory

The Northern Irishman has nothing left to prove, but still has to carry a vast weight of expectation at Royal PortrushThere was a lick of breeze riffling the long grass at Royal Portrush on Wednesday morning, and a lot of swirling talk besides. “Have you seen him?” “I heard he’s over by the putting green.” “He’s on the range.” “I heard he’s on the first now.” Round here everyone’s either looking for Rory McIlroy, looking at Rory McIlroy, or looking back on Rory McIlroy. A stretch of time watching him play is the one thing everyone wants to tick off during their day at the Open, along with a trip to spectator village, and a stop at the golf shop. You can track his progress around the grounds by keeping one ear open for the whispers.Sometimes all this is wind at McIlroy’s back, others it seems to be blowing into his face. Last time the Open was here in Northern Ireland, in 2019, it threw him so far off course that he hooked his opening drive into the crowd and out of bounds, then hook...

Politics

35 h. ago Get ready for an Open thriller with fiendish unpredictability of Portrush

Stunning course, benign forecast and giddy galleries make it all but futile to predict a winner of 153rd stagingThe consensus among golf’s chattering classes in Portrush is that it may be some time until the Open returns. Two stagings inside a decade was always the plan as the R&A determined Northern Ireland could host an event of this stature. There will be a third, it just seems unlikely to land imminently. Muirfield is long overdue an Open return, so too is Royal Lytham & St Annes. When Dublin’s Portmarnock is added to the upcoming mix, Royal Portrush will be required to wait in line.There will be a determination on the Causeway Coast to make the most of the opportunity in this, the 153rd Open staging. The Dunluce Links is a world-class venue, one which will reward only the finest ball strikers as the jousting for the Claret Jug concludes on Sunday evening. Continue reading...

Politics

36 h. ago Rory McIlroy left emotional as Open moment at Portrush "hit me like a ton of bricks"

Rory McIlroy is back at Royal Portrush for the Masters and admits he was taken aback by the volume of support he received when he played in his homeland six years ago

Events

38 h. ago The Open 2025: Rory McIlroy shows true colours over 'emotional' Royal Portrush meltdown

With memories of his Royal Portrush meltdown six years ago still vivid, McIlroy has a score to settle at the only venue in his home country to host a major title.

Politics

39 h. ago Rory McIlroy admits he prioritised Royal Portrush return over career Grand Slam

The 36-year-old added a Masters green jacket to his collection in April to become the sixth player to win all four major championships.

Politics

42 h. ago ‘Proud’ Darren Clarke says Rory McIlroy will receive ‘unbelievable’ reception at Royal Portrush

The 2011 Open champion says he’s ‘proud’ of McIlroy’s achievements after his fellow countryman completed a career grand slam when winning the Masters in April

Politics

44 h. ago Darren Clarke back at Royal Portrush with high hopes for McIlroy – and himself

The 2011 Open winner practised on Tuesday with the Masters champion and Tom McKibbin, and is keen for all three to make their markThe 7am tee-time practice trio on Tuesday at Royal Portrush: Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin. The galleries grew and grew. The venue for the Open this week was the site of a starstruck McIlroy meeting Clarke on his 10th birthday in 1999. Clarke’s foundation played a key role in the early development of McIlroy. McKibbin, as a 13-year-old playing at McIlroy’s home club in Holywood, was invited by him to play in the Irish Open’s pro-am in 2016. The connections are as uplifting as they are strong.Clarke’s description of seeing McIlroy win the Masters in April, completing his set of majors, is therefore understandable. “I watched every shot,” Clarke says. “I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Rory winning there was almost like watching my two boys, Tyrone and Conor, win. I was that emotional. Continue reading...

Politics

46 h. ago The Open 2025: 10 names to watch at Royal Portrush as Tiger Woods repeat eyed

There are no shortage of big names with their eyes on the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush this week - Rory McIlroy has a score to settle, Scottie Scheffler feels he must now add more Majors and Jon Rahm looks to finally get the job done

Politics