British Open At Portrush Starts With An Irish Cheer

July 17, 2025 4:23 am

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The 153rd edition of the British Open is underway at Royal Portrush. Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. That was a fitting choice. He’s a two-time Open champion. And it meant the Open at Royal Portrush would start the way the last one ended with big cheers for an Irish golf shot. The last time here was 2019 when Shane Lowry ended it with a tap-in par to win the claret jug. Rory McIlroy is the favorite son of Northern Ireland and played in the afternoon. Scottie Scheffler was part of the morning wave.