Rory McIlroy Shoots Under Par at Royal Portrush Open

Rory McIlroy made a resilient return to Royal Portrush during the British Open, shooting a one-under-par 70 in challenging weather conditions and finishing just three shots off the lead. Despite poor driving accuracy, hitting only two fairways, McIlroy's experience, including his recent Masters win, helped him maintain composure and avoid major mistakes that plagued him six years ago at the same venue. The Northern Irishman managed five birdies amid the difficult course and large, supportive home crowds, who braved Atlantic showers to cheer him on. While the course and weather posed significant challenges for many players, McIlroy's ability to grind out a solid score kept him in contention for his second Open title. The first round was marked by slow play and difficult conditions, with only a few players avoiding bogeys, highlighting the toughness of the Dunluce Links. McIlroy acknowledged the pressure but expressed satisfaction with his performance compared to his previous experience at Portrush.