The Open: Mixed start for Rory McIlroy as Shane Lowry signs off with a 70 at Royal Portrush
We'll bring you updates across the week
Today at 02:27
It's a massive week in Royal Portrush as the 153rd Open Championship takes place.
We will bring you all the action from the course all week as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry lead the Irish challenge.
3 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Oh it's thrills you want?
How about this tee shot at the fourth snapped straight left as well? That's both drivers from Rory significantly left of the mark so far. Not a good spot, over there.
4 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
You Bez believe it
Strong start to the round for South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout as he rattles off three straight birdies at 5, 6 and 7 to move to three-under-par and one shot off the lead! Could he do something special?
I was chatting to his father yesterday and he was bullish on his son's chances. I'm starting to believe him.
6 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Boring pars at the third
Pitch. Putt. Putt. Rory, JT, Tommy all stay level. A bit monotony never hurt anyone after those first two.
9 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
Shane and Scottie
The marquee morning group are finished and it's a good day for Scottie Scheffler, who almost ties the lead with a long-range putt on the 18th but sees it slide just right of the hole and instead has to settle for a par and a three-under 68, which leaves him one shot off the lead.
And it is also a good day for Shane Lowry, a one-under 70 a solid day's work that has him still very much in contention after three birdies and two bogeys! The '2019 defence' off to a good start.
Not so good for Collin Morikawa, though. Five bogeys, four of which came in his final 10 holes, and just one birdie means it's a +4 start for the 2021 champion.
13 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
Holey moley
As Rory McIlroy and co. head for the par-three third, let's check in on which holes are giving the players the most grief and which are providing birdie opportunities.
The toughest holes
1. 11th (+0.47)
2. 4th (+0.36)
3. 9th (+0.35)
4. 18th (+0.30)
5. 1st (+0.28)
The easiest holes
1. 5th (-0.26)
2. 12th (-0.25)
3. 7th (-0.18)
4. 2nd (-0.15)
5. 6th (+0.04)
16 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Up in the group ahead
The Open on Twitter / X
A fast start for Viktor Hovland. He eagles the second. pic.twitter.com/iuKIO2WDxr— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2025
21 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
The relief on his face
Rory in for birdie and the crowd are up. He puffs out his cheeks and that was pure, 100% relief, not joy. I've no doubt visions of 2019 were returning in his head after that putt on 1.
JT also gets his bounce back bird and Fleetwood can't get up and down from off the front so makes par.
All three level after two.
21 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
One marquee group done
The current Champion Golfer of the Year, Xander Schauffele, begins his defence of the Claret Jug with a level-par 71, which is no bad thing when you consider how up-and-down it was.
Jon Rahm is off to a solid start as he cards a one-under 70 that, bar back-to-back bogeys at 10 and 11, looked very solid and very much enhances his credentials as a contender.
It was a tougher day for US Open champion JJ Spaun, though. He drops three shots in his last four holes and finishes the round with a two-over 73, so he will be fighting to make the cut.
25 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
The pitch is good
And a birdie chance. Pitch out was the right play. Honestly, backing off that long iron could be the pivotal point of his whole week, already.
28 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
The inner monologue
He was ready to pull the trigger with a long iron then at the last minute steps off it and has the yardage book out. Time to just get back into play. Take a beat, as they'd say on Blue Lights.
Smart play. Wedge back into the fairway. Start the day again from there, mentally.
29 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
A roar from 17
And it's not for Scottie Scheffler, it's for Shane Lowry who loops in a rangy putt from 22 feet for the birdie that gets him back into the red at -1!
Could he potentially end the day even better with a birdie on 18? They've been hard to come by.
33 minutes ago
Stop it Scottie!
Forget trying to catch the leaders, Scheffler almost jumps into a share of the lead as he nearly jars his approach into the par-four 17th, pitching it about 20 feet short and letting it release up to the hole and it shaves the left edge on its way past before stopping a foot beyond the pin!
That's going to be the easiest of tap-in birdies and the World No.1 is ominously on -3 with one hole to play.
33 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Time for calm
He's bashed it straight left off the second, into the gallery. Now it's a par five so he should be able to make this OK. But he needs to settle after that missed three-footer. You worry about the impact of these things when it's Rory. Fleetwood and JT are good.
35 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
Danish delight
We already have Jacob Skov Olesen in a share of the lead, Nicolai Hojgaard in the clubhouse two back at -2 and now there's another Dane on the charge as John Axelsen birdies 12 and 13 to move to -2, two off the top.
The 27-year-old plays primarily on the HotelPlanner Tour (formerly known as the Challenge Tour) and only qualified through Final Qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports - he's certainly making the most of that invitation.
41 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
'Oh Rory'
Rory loops his long putt round the slope and in to three feet but then…. MISSED IT. Leaves himself further away for bogey but at least gets that. Shockwave for a nervous crowd.
Fleetwood two putts for par off back edge but, JT can't tease his own putt from back there down the slope as leaves it 20 foot short, missing the hill altogether. Bogey for Thomas.
(To anyone who saw my brief trigger happy post that he had holed it, I am sorry. Fully scudded him. Fully.)
42 minutes ago
Adam McKendry
Scheffler on the move
He's hit an absolute stunner into Calamity, flirting with the chasm but bouncing it up onto the green and up to three feet - and he drains the putt! That's the World No.1 up to -2 and just two back, with the birdie-able par-four 17th coming up!
Unfortunately Sergio Garcia is going the other way as he bogeys the par-four eighth and is back to -2 as well, having been at -3.
51 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
And a roar!
Very impressive from McIlroy. We've barely seen anyone make the green from that left rough but he manages to squeeze it on the front edge. A long two-putt and we're away.
Gareth Hanna on Twitter / X
And everyone in Portrush breathes a collective sigh of relief for Rory McIlroy pic.twitter.com/eGOR6P7s27— Gareth Hanna (@GarethHanna11) July 17, 2025
55 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Audible relief
There was a physical and collective sigh as Rory's tee shot lands IN BOUNDS. It's in the rough on the left and we know how thick that is. So not ideal. But it's not a reload. So sure look. We move.
Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood safely on the short stuff.
Everyone in Portrush is glad that's over.
59 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Here's Rory
The first cheer for the man himself as the supporters round a packed first tee catch a glimpse of him on his way. This shot is six years in the making. Can he exorcise the ghosts of 2019?
Rory McIlroy reacts to 2019 nightmare at Royal Portrush during Open press conference
Rory McIlroy admits that after the disappointment of missing the cut at The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019 he is going to take a brand new approach to this year's tournament.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Olympic Gold medallist visits Wexford gymnastics club
Gorey Guardian Today at 02:00 Gorey Gymnastics club had a visit from Olympic Gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan recently. Gorey was one of eight clubs chosen around the country to take part in the Gymnastics Ireland Club Tour. 'There was great excitement and preparation in the weeks leading up to the visit,' said Angie Dooley, head coach of the club. Rhys McClenaghan made history as he became Ireland's first gymnast to win a gold medal for the Men's Pommel at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 'Rhys spoke to the gymnasts, giving an account of his journey to the Olympics and making history both as the first Irish gymnast to reach an Olympics final and the first Irish gymnast to win a medal in the Olympics,' Angie said. Angie added that Rhys mentioned his motivations, ups and downs and encouraged gymnasts in Gorey to keep training and working to improve their skills. Gymnasts had the opportunity to be in a group photo with Rhys and hold the Olympic gold medal. A number of students took part in an exclusive training session with Rhys, where he gave expert tips and advice. He also showed the coaches various coaching techniques, demonstrating his extensive knowledge and skills. Speaking on behalf of the club, Angie thanked those involved with the special day. 'The coaches and gymnasts at Gorey Gymnastics Club are very grateful to Rhys McClenaghan for his generosity of time and his dedication to the sport and to Gymnastics Ireland for the opportunity to take part in this club tour,' Angie said.
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
‘I was asked if I was a terrorist every day': The Mayo woman helping expats make a soft landing in the UK
'God knows what my parents were thinking to move to England at the height of IRA [Troubles]. It was a very difficult time to be Irish,' says Mayo native Eimear Maguire, who moved to England with her parents in 1987. Her father, George, took early retirement following a 40-year career with the ESB and, at her mother's urging, moved the family from Ballina to England. Maguire went from attending the 'fairly strict but fairly simple' Convent of Mercy in Ballina to being 'thrust into a comprehensive, 1,200-student school' in West Yorkshire. With a 'weird name and a strange accent' combined with 'all the Irish cultural, political stuff going on behind the scenes', Maguire says, 'I was asked if I was a terrorist every day, asked if we were in the IRA. All of that type of stuff.' The youngest of eight children, Maguire says she felt very separated from the '2.1-child families' typical of the time. Having eight children was 'unheard of' in England. 'It was a lot. I didn't realise how different I was. Even in six years of school, I never really felt like I belonged there.' READ MORE England didn't start to feel like home until she moved to Nottingham in 1994 to become a nurse. By that time, 'things had changed' with the emergence of popular Irish bands in the UK such as the Cranberries, U2 and Aslan making it 'trendy to be Irish'. With the peace process in Northern Ireland under way and the Republic of Ireland team at the 1994 World Cup led by well-known names from the newly formed Premier League, Maguire says people began to see the Irish 'less as something to worry about, and just as part of the landscape'. In her early career, Maguire retained her connection to Ireland. After her father's death, her mother returned to her native Roscommon, and Maguire spent most of her holidays in Ireland where she felt a sense of 'true belonging'. 'There is always that sadness with the Irish abroad. You always think, 'I'll go back. One day, I'll go back.' And then, the more and more entrenched you become in your life here in the UK with marriage, jobs or kids, that dream just gets further and further away. 'Eventually you realise that you cannot just think about yourself, and then it just becomes the impossible dream.' She met her future husband and business partner, James Maguire, while working as a nurse in Nottingham, and they moved to Manchester in 2000 following the birth of their first child. In 2010, they jointly founded Maguire Family Law, with Eimear looking to fulfil a lifelong dream of training as a lawyer. Initially funded by a loan against the family home, the firm now has four offices and 17 employees. As the firm took off, Maguire never found the time to train in law, instead taking up the role of head of finance and operations. The business is built around practising family law and its founders had their own intimate experience with the system. 'I was married to James and we set the practice up together, and then our marriage failed. So we got divorced but we continued to work together and to keep the business going. We are still working together, we are still the best of friends.' Their own experience with divorce, Maguire says, has allowed them to help other families navigate the uncertainty. 'A lot of people call me saying, 'Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to get divorced, and I would really like it to go down like your divorce did. I would like to remain friends. How do you do that?' 'So, in a way, we are the poster people for divorce,' she laughs. Growing the business in the north of England, Maguire got involved with the Women of Irish Heritage network, recently taking the position as the inaugural chairwoman of the not-for-profit initiative. She wants to make sure there is a soft landing for Irish women who make the 'brave decision' to move to the UK. 'The Irish, we are known the world over for our warmth,' she said, noting that the same warmth and welcoming culture isn't replicated as much in England. She says that Irish people who make the move often note the difference between the two cultures. 'I think British people are quite formal, they're quite reserved. They don't really speak their minds all that much. 'I know people have certainly found me to be a bit direct, but I just think I'm quite open in a way they are not used to.' Even now, after 35 years living in England, Maguire has never applied for British citizenship. 'I felt it a betrayal of my heritage for most of the time I've been here,' she says, noting that feeling was a result of the anti-Irish sentiment she has experienced at times in the UK. 'The lack of acceptance of us here drives [people] more towards rejecting any Britishness and more embracing your own heritage,' she says. In recent years, however, she feels she is entering her 'belonging era' and points to new laws which will simplify the process for Irish people living in the UK to apply for citizenship. 'I may get my dual nationality after all,' she laughs.
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Roy Keane's favourite GAA star to feature as RTE and BBC unveil pundits for Cork vs Tipperary in All-Ireland final
RTE AND BBC have unveiled their punditry teams for the All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Tipperary. The Rebels face the Premier in a mouth-watering battle which is the first time the two counties meet in the Liam MacCarthy decider. Advertisement 5 Cork and Tipperary meet in the All-Ireland hurling final Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile 5 Joanne Cantwell will be leading RTE's TV coverage Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile 5 Marty Morrissey will be providing commentary Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 5 Sarah Mulkerrins will be leading the BBC's coverage and will be joined by the likes of Shane O'Donnell Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 5 Jimmy Barry-Murphy will also be part of the BBC's coverage Credit: David Maher/Sportsfile A heavyweight battle calls for a blockbuster set of pundits, and both For RTE, Joanne Cantwell will be anchoring their coverage, with Clare legend Anthony Daly, Cork great Donal Og Cusack, and Tipperary icon Liam Sheedy as the pundits. Damian Lawlor will serve as the pitchside reporter at Coverage gets underway on RTE2 at 2:15pm, with throw-in at 3:30pm, while Irish language options will be available on the RTE News channel for 2:30pm. Advertisement Read More on GAA Coverage begins at 3pm on Sunday on BBC Two Sarah Mulkerrins presenting will be presenting and will be joined by reigning Hurler of the Year Shane O'Donnell, four time All-Ireland winner Paul Murphy, and Antrim great Neil McManus. Mark Sidebottom will be surveying the action from pitchside alongside All Star Diarmuid O'Sullivan and former Tipperary All-Ireland winner Seamus Callanan. Advertisement Most read in GAA Hurling Exclusive Commentary will be led by Thomas Niblock alongside expert analysis from co-commentators Jamesie O'Connor and At half-time, special expertise will be offered by none other than Jimmy Barry-Murphy. 'Easiest interview I've ever had' jokes RTE GAA host after pundits go back and forth before Meath vs Donegal An all-time great of hurling on Leeside, the five-time hurling All Star won an astounding five Liam MacCarthy Cups and ten Munster titles as a player with the Rebels. He also guided them to two Munster championships and the 1999 All-Ireland title as manager. Advertisement JBM was also an accomplished footballer, winning two All-Stars, two Munster SFC titles, and the 1973 Sam Maguire as a manager. He also holds the distinction of being He revealed as such on a Monday Night Football appearance in 2022 - in spite of his Sky Sports colleagues not then seeming sure what to ask about this mystery figure. Advertisement Keano hailed: "Growing up again in Ireland - the GAA was a big part of my life. Hurling - watching Jimmy Barry-Murphy playing for Cork - you know, brilliant sportsman." He modestly remarked: "It was very, very special. I was delighted actually. "I was shocked for somebody like Roy, who I have great admiration for and he's probably our greatest ever sportsman to come out of Cork. Advertisement "Himself and Denis Irwin were extraordinary. Denis is a Barr man, of course, so I have to give him a mention. But Roy, it was a lovely thing to say and I really appreciate it, I must say." It remains to be seen if the former Manchester United and Ireland captain and devout Corkman will pop up alongside his hero at Croke Park.
