4 h. ago The Open 2025: Wyndham Clark ban blow, no 'gimmick' and Rose raves about Rory

The latest from Northern Ireland ahead of the season’s final men’s major

Politics

4 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

5 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

5 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

7 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

7 h. ago The Open 2025: It's another family affair for rising star Connor Graham

Blairgowrie player has come a long way since last Claret Jug joust at Royal Portrush

Society

8 h. ago 'I was a gang member and spent five years in one of world's toughest jails

Ryan Peake spent five years behind bars for assault which left the victim with a fractured skull and arms, but he has turned his life around since coming out of prison and is now hoping to make a splash at Royal Portrush

Events

8 h. ago Tourism chief hopes hosting Open will create investment boost for golf courses

The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush is set to become the second best attended in history.

Politics

8 h. ago How to play at every The Open golf course including a cheap gem in Scotland

The Open Championship, golf’s oldest tournament, begins this week at Royal Portrush’s Old Course for the third time

Politics

8 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

8 h. ago Xander Schauffele sends clear message to wife after getting rid of all his golf trophies

Xander Schauffele is coming into The Open championship at Royal Portrush as the defending champion, but just don't ask the two-time major winner to see his trophies

Politics

9 h. ago Max Faulkner and ‘the greatest shot’: the story of Portrush’s first Open champion

How Englishman fulfilled his own prophecy to triumph against the odds at the 1951 championship“Max Faulkner. Open champion 1951”. Faulkner signed those words for a young fan who had offered up a golf ball en route to the first tee of the final round at Royal Portrush. He regretted it almost immediately. While he held a commanding six-shot lead before the 1951 Open’s last 18 holes, there now existed an embarrassing piece of evidence should he fail to deliver.Fortunately for Faulkner, despite an errant drive on the 1st hole, he went on to fulfil his prophecy by two strokes. It would take 18 years before another English golfer, Tony Jacklin, hoisted the Claret Jug. Continue reading...

Politics

9 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

12 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

15 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

15 h. ago ‘This is not a fulfilling life’: Scottie Scheffler’s honest response to realities of professional golf

The 29-year-old American says he would “rather be a great father than a great golfer”

Politics

15 h. ago Bryson DeChambeau hopes to crack Royal Portrush puzzle after 10

The 31-year-old heads to Royal Portrush for this year’s Open in search of a breakthrough performance at the sport’s original major; one which could see that named etched into both history and the Claret Jug.

Politics

16 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

17 h. ago Which bookies are offering Free Bets ahead of The Open Championship 2025

Golf's finest - the likes Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood - arrive at Royal Portrush ahead of the Open Championship which promises to be a busy market for the bookmakers this week

Sport

29 h. ago Open champ doesn't know where his trophies are as honest Xander Schauffele admits it's 'dogs or nothing'

Schauffele full of honesty and humour ahead of title defence at Royal Portrush as he aims to make it Two-In-A-Row

Politics