How many golfers make the cut at The Open Championship? Here's what to know about the cut line rules for the British Open.

HOME HERO: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland made a late birdie for a 70 and was three shots behind. The last time he played the British Open at Royal Portrush, he made an 8 on the first hole, shot 79 and wound up missing the cut.

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.

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."

Of the 20 LIV golfers in the field at the 2025 British Open, Phil Mickelson turned in perhaps the most surprising first round.

Another bogey-free round belonged to 44-year-old Justin Rose, in the group at 69 that included 52-year-old Lee Westwood, former Open champion Brian Harman and Lucas Glover, who was tied for the lead until a pair of bogeys early on the back nine.

The Open returned to Royal Portrush in 2019 when Irishman Shane Lowry won his first major title, and the only one of his career thus far. His 15-under winning score was six strokes ahead of the runner-up, Tommy Fleetwood. Lowry became the second Irishman after Pádraig Harrington's two Open wins.

Padraig Harrington struck the first tee shot as the 153rd British Open started in cloudy conditions at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Malbon Golf dropped a new collection Thursday morning in collaboration with Bushmills, celebrating Northern Ireland's influence on the game of golf.

Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are offering reminders that the British Open doesn't discriminate against older players.