Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

The final major of the season is here. Follow along for live updates, scores, highlights and more from the first round of the 2025 British Open.

You'll have to forgive Marc Leishman, who has played in just one major championship since the end of 2022. During that three-year span, he clearly forgot that they can be absolute slogs when it comes to pace of play.

Fickle weather and funny bounces are classic features of links golf and it makes the British Open a test of the mind as much as anything else.

16 golfers have won two majors in a year with British Open Championship being one of them Winning a major is difficult. Winning two in one season is rare. The first three men's majors in 2025 are in the books with Rory McIlroy (Masters), Scottie Scheffler (PGA Championship) and J.J. Spaun (U.S. Open) having claimed the titles.

Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the site of Shane Lowry's triumph in 2019. As has been the case all year, the strong favorites entering the tournament are Scottie Scheffler (9/2) and Rory McIlroy (7-1).

But no one could go extremely low. Jacob Skov Olesen, the British Amateur champion last year from Denmark, was the first player to get to 5 under until a bogey at the last. He was joined at 67 by Li Haotong of China, and then Fitzpatrick joined the group with his marvelous chip-in.

Matt Fitzpatrick was asked on camera to rate his opening round at the 153rd British Open on Thursday. He smiled and didn’t have to think long.