McIlroy Posts 1-Under 70, Three Shots Off Lead at British Open in Northern Ireland

Rory McIlroy returned to Royal Portrush for the 153rd Open Championship with a markedly improved performance compared to his 2019 debut at this venue, where he infamously hit his first tee shot out of bounds and missed the cut. This time, despite ongoing struggles with his tee shots, McIlroy posted a solid 1-under-par 70, leaving him just three shots behind the leaders and in strong contention. The Northern Irishman acknowledged the immense support from his home crowd, which added pressure but also motivation, and said he handled it much better than six years ago. His round featured a mix of steady iron play and crucial putts that compensated for his inaccurate driving, as he hit only two of 14 fairways. The lead was held by a group of players including Matt Fitzpatrick, who shot a 67, the lowest opening round of his major career. Overall, McIlroy’s composed start at the Open marked a significant redemption and set the stage for a competitive tournament.