Irishman Padraig Harrington teed off The 153rd Open and was the first one to notch a birdie on the day, generating some noise from the Northern Ireland crowd.

Padraig Harrington struck the first tee shot as the 153rd British Open started in cloudy conditions at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

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).

The "Golden Bear" and 18-time major winner won the first of his three Opens and completed the first of his three career grand slams along the southeastern Scottish coast in 1966, then called the par-71 layout "the best golf course in Britain."

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.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The crowds following Rory McIlroy for three days at Royal Portrush have been enormous, a reminder of the expectations. On banners and flags and buntings of grandstands there are images of the claret jug, a reminder of what's at stake at the British Open.

British Open's purse and the payout for the top 10 places. The schedule for the tournament and the previous winners.

The R&A, one of the governing bodies for golf responsible for overseeing the rules of the game and organizing The Open Championship, is also making other various feeds—such as press conferences, arrivals, and live feeds on the courses—available online through its website and YouTube page, so you’ll want to check these sites often for updates.

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.

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but it's not on the island of Great Britain. So why is it hosting the “British” Open this week?

The last time the British Open came to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy missed the cut. Will he claim his second major of the year this time around?