Erskine, the club’s then-secretary of 35 years—who many credit with bringing the Open to Portrush—was waiting for a defining moment. Some visual cue from the universe to signify the accomplishment that Portrush, after decades of political turmoil on the island of Ireland before a peace in 1998, had enticed the R&A back to this part of the world.

The simplest one is to wager on the in-form golfers, a list led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. McIlroy may get the nod over Scheffler in some circles this week because he's playing on home soil at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Shane Lowry believes he’s figured out a formula to excel in the biggest tournaments, like this week’s British Open at Royal Portrush, where he won the Claret Jug in 2019.

Tattoos are forever … but so is the 2023 European Ryder Cup team. Led by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm (with a little Shane Lowry energy thrown in), the squad took over Marco Simone two years ago, starting with a 4-0 lead and eventually turning that into a 16.

Shane Lowry didn’t know what to make of the mural at first. He doesn’t look at himself as someone worthy of being celebrated as a national hero.

Lowry feels “rejuvenated” and as prepared as he could be in his bid to become the first player to win consecutive British Opens at the same course since Tiger Woods at St. Andrews in 2000 and ’05.

Who will win the 153rd Open Championship? Our experts dive into all the twists and turns of the year's final major

The oldest championship in golf always brings out something new. The British Open returns to Royal Portrush for the third time. The weather has been changing every day.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — How well do you know British Open history? Try this quiz: