The Open Opens Round 1 at Royal Portrush with LIV Golf Players

Phil Mickelson, the 2013 Open champion, is competing at Royal Portrush and values his exemption into the tournament until age 60, showing a strong affinity for links-style golf which he mastered later in his career. Meanwhile, Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open champion, had a challenging start but finished his first round with a solid, bogey-free back nine, aiming to build momentum for the rest of the week. The Open Championship is drawing significant attention, with fan favorites like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and others making notable starts amid weather challenges and large crowds. Volunteers, including university graduates like Keely Gleeson, play a crucial role in assisting the thousands of spectators navigating the event. Mickelson has also sparked discussion about the structure of professional golf tours, suggesting a more global, multi-event format like one supported historically by Peter Thomson, aiming to expand opportunities beyond traditional tours. This approach reflects ongoing debates about the future of professional golf and the impact of emerging tours like LIV Golf.