PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The moment that surprised Rory McIlroy the most when he played the 2019 Britidh Open at Royal Portrush—the first Open held in his home country of Northern Ireland since 1951—was the ovation on the first tee.

Rory McIlroy is grouped with Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas for first two rounds at Royal Portrush. McIlroy has late-early draw as he hopes for victory on home-soil and another Open win. The world No 2 missed the cut when the tournament was last held at this venue in 2019 but golf fans can watch him tee off at 3.10pm this afternoon, July 17.

The final men's major of the year is here, as the 2025 British Open Championship kicks off Thursday morning at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Ahead of the Open Championship this week in his homeland Rory McIlroy has dawned his newly won Green Jacket at Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Rory McIlroy returns home to Northern Ireland as the fans want to see him end a more special year on a spectacular note.