Rory McIlroy Misses Cut at 153rd Open Championship Royal Portrush

The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush has brought mixed emotions for Northern Irish golfers Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin. McIlroy, hoping to win the Claret Jug for a second time, had a challenging start with a bogey on the first hole but followed with a birdie and par, standing even par after three holes. His struggles in the tournament echo his difficult 2019 Open at the same venue, where a disastrous opening tee shot resulted in a quadruple bogey and an eventual missed cut. Fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin, playing in just his second Open and opening group, admitted that McIlroy's infamous 2019 tee shot made the first tee at Royal Portrush particularly nerve-wracking for him. Despite early nerves and a double bogey later in his round, McKibbin impressed with a strong mid-round display and appreciated the local support. Both players' performances are being closely watched as they compete on home soil in this prestigious golf major.