Rory McIlroy Performs Below Par at 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

The 153rd Open Championship is underway at Royal Portrush, a challenging links course that has been slightly extended since the last major held there in 2019. Rory McIlroy, one of the tournament favorites and a Northern Irish golfing legend, struggled with his tee shots during the opening round, hitting only two fairways despite finishing one-under par; his difficult start is shadowed by memories of a disastrous first hole in 2019. Other veteran players like Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and Phil Mickelson remain in contention, highlighting the presence of experienced golfers in this major. The course's famously difficult holes, including the 'Calamity Corner,' require precision, with the first hole featuring internal out-of-bounds on both sides, prompting many players to avoid using a driver there. McIlroy's 2025 season has been highly impressive, including completing the career grand slam and winning the Masters, making him a compelling but unpredictable contender. Meanwhile, world number one Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite, with McIlroy close behind, both facing the challenge of navigating Royal Portrush's risk-reward layout.