The second round of The Open begins on Friday with home favourite Rory McIlroy out early and right in contention to win a second Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. McIlroy carded a first round of 70 to sit at -1 and just one shot back,

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy addresses the crowd's presence after Round One of The 2025 Open Championship

McIlroy ejected on the first hole and ultimately missed the cut when The Open was last played in his home country of Northern Ireland

McIlroy scrapped on Thursday to end -1 and three shots behind the leaders, with Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton just one stroke back heading into Friday’s second round

Day two of The 153rd Open Championship has commenced at Royal Portrush as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry aim to work their way up the leaderboard. Both McIlroy and Lowry finished day one on one-under-par, leaving them three shots off the the leaders.

The year was 2019. After a 68-year gap, the R&A took the Open back to Royal Portrush. The influence of major winners from Northern Ireland such as Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell was viewed as crucial in the decision.

McIlroy said Monday that he was overwhelmed by the reception he received six years ago in his home of Northern Ireland. Now a Grand Slam winner, he's ready for this week's championship.

The Open Championship got underway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Co. Antrim on Thursday and Rory McIlroy has been welcomed back in classic Paddy Power style. The Irish bookmaker, notorious for displaying gag signs at major sporting events,