The Open: Rory McIlroy enjoys privilege previously 'only for Tiger' while Saturday action ‘tweaked' due to parade
Gareth Hanna
See you bright and early!
The practice is done, The Open is here. 6.35am start. Don't be late! (Or if you are, we'll have been here to let you catch up on what you've missed... that's the whole point!)
Belfast Telegraph on Instagram: "The Open Championship at Royal Portrush: What happened in 2019"
0 likes, 0 comments - belfasttelegraph on July 16, 2025: "The Open Championship at Royal Portrush: What happened in 2019".
belfasttelegraph, instagram.com
Today 05:28 PM
Gareth Hanna
Selected round one tee times
Here are our pick of tomorrow's groupings - Irish players in bold:
6.35am: Padraig Harrington, Tom McKibbin, Nicolai Hojgaard
7.19am: Phil Mickelson, Daniel Van Tonder, Ryan Peake
7.52am: Darren Clarke, Davis Riley, Lucas Herbert
8.14am: Thomas Detrey, Chris Gotterup, Lee Westwood
9.25am: Hideki Matsuyama, Ryan Fox, Matt Fitzpatrick
9.47am: Sam Burns, Aldrich Potgieter, Brooks Koepka
9.58am: Xander Schauffele, JJ Spaun, Jon Rahm
10.09am: Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler
2.48pm: Robert MacIntyre, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Rose
2.59pm: Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland
3.10pm: Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood
3.21pm: Harris English, Nick Taylor, Tony Finau
Today 05:17 PM
Rory's first tee struggles?
Emmmm, not to alarm anyone ahead of tomorrow but the reports of this quote aren't exactly what we want to hear. Remember, Rory teed off early on Monday and Tuesday and nobody saw him hitting those shots. He did, however, get it safely off the first tee today, hitting an iron down the right side, just short of the bunker. The context of all this, of course, is his tee-shot out of bounds left in the first round in 2019, which ultimately led to an opening quadruple bogey 8 and him missing the cut by a shot. So quite why his putting coach would say this is a bit of a mystery. Just pretend we didn't mention anything...
Jamie Kennedy on Twitter / X
Oh boy....Brad Faxon said on @GolfChannel's "Live From" that Rory hit it out-of-bounds on the first tee on Monday... and Tuesday this week."He hasn't hit that fairway in his first two practice rounds. He hit both tee shots out-of-bounds on Monday and Tuesday."(He famously… pic.twitter.com/dlCAf73PcE— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) July 16, 2025
Today 04:45 PM
Gareth Hanna
Fan favourite: Bryson DeChambeau
It's hard to really appreciate the absolute totality of Bryson DeChambeau's 180 degree turn of public perception. The one-time villain of tour golf, he has been roared around the course this week by an adoring fanbase, and he's been in his element, interacting with the supporters at every turn. He tees off tomorrow at 2.48pm with Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose. If he could do it this week, perhaps only Rory would be a more popular winner. Things you didn't think you'd be saying...
Golf Channel on Twitter / X
Bryson DeChambeau bonus driver by popular request from the Royal Portrush fans. 🫡🎥 @TheOpen pic.twitter.com/kxnUn3NvhW— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 16, 2025
Today 04:42 PM
Gareth Hanna
Padraig Harrington with the big line of the week
Paul Kelly on Twitter / X
We may have reached peak preview here - @kclairerogers @padraig_h on Open ice-creams #TheOpen "I will have to say, in my considered opinion, we do the best 99s here. I've tested a 99 at every Open venue, and these are definitely the biggest and the nicest so far. pic.twitter.com/MMhH1iG8bw— Paul Kelly (@KellyPrc) July 16, 2025
External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties.
Today 04:26 PM
Gareth Hanna
Fancy some merch?
You better be ready to queue. The snake to get into the shop is only getting longer - and you'd imagine it'll be at least this length constantly during the tournament days.
Will you sign my armband?
Firstly, if you're out and about this week, say hello and thank you to the friendly marshals around the course who are helping keep you safe at The Open. They're doing a great job.
People like Evangelina Hastings of Royal Portrush, for instance, who was delighted when she asked two-time Major champion Justin Thomas for a selfie on the 18th and not only did he agree but he signed her armband, too!
Today 03:59 PM
Gareth Hanna
Almost an ace on Calamity
Spieth hopped the rope from 8 to reach 16, where he hit two rather contrasting tee shots. The first one was one that will have looked familiar to many - weak, right and down the slope. The second, however, was absolutely perfect. And judging by the 'ooooh' from the fans at the green, was very close to going in.
Today 03:42 PM
Gareth Hanna
The Open Camping Village
For those looking for a bit of shelter at night, The Open Camping Village at Ulster University's Coleraine campus is one option.
Tourism NI said around 4,800 guests will stay at the site this – the equivalent of an Open record 11,500 total bed nights. That surpasses the previous highest number of 10,000 at St Andrews in 2022.
Around 3,500 free bed nights for under 25s have been booked, while adult camping is priced from £55 per person per night.
Today 03:39 PM
Adam McKendry
Does he Hov a chance?
Norway's Viktor Hovland has had his fair share of ups and downs over the last couple of years but has shown signs of a mini-resurgence over the last few months, rising to 12th in the Data Golf Rankings, and he has been lapping up the support of the fans around Royal Portrush today. The 27-year-old has finished in the top-15 in three of his four Open appearances - including a tied-fourth in 2022 - but missed the cut at Royal Troon last year.
Today 03:35 PM
Gareth Hanna
Drive for show…
Spieth's putting display is my 'low-key impressive' moment of the week. He hit three putt from around 40 feet and stopped them all within a foot or two of each other. Not as easy as it looks!
Today 03:32 PM
Gareth Hanna
How do you solve a problem like the fifth?
It will be interesting to see how many players take the driver at the picturesque fifth hole as it winds downhill towards the green. Spieth tried out both driver a three wood. The driver was A1 and the wood was also in good position, just taking the bunkers out of play a little further back. It seems like the more sensible play when it comes to tomorrow - especially after Rory's lost ball episode round the green yesterday.
Today 02:53 PM
What it's like to follow Rory McIlroy: 'Only for Tiger'
On the eighth hole while following Rory McIlroy, I turned to the Sunday Independent 's Paul Kimmage, walking along beside me, and asked had he ever seen as big a crowd for a practice round ever before.
"Only for Tiger," he replied.
That is the magnitude of what is happening at Royal Portrush this week. For the last two days, McIlroy has snuck out before the gates opened and got the bulk of his preparation done with minimal fuss. Today, he embraced the fans and let them all enjoy him for nine holes, and boy they did.
At points on the course they were three deep. When he and Christiaan Bezuidenhout came to the ninth hole, not only was that grandstand behind the green full but so was the neighbouring 11th's. Both sides of the fairway were rammed.
At every part of the course, fans clamoured for selfies and autographs, eager to have a memento of their time watching the Grand Slam hero up close, ignoring McIlroy's pleas to wait until he was done with his nine holes - which was a completely fair request given the number of people wanting something signed.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder and that is clear to see that Northern Ireland have missed the Masters champion and it's not much of a surprise to see him command most of the support. Can he carry that weight of expectation when the action gets under way for real tomorrow? We'll see.
As for the golf? McIlroy birdied the second, fifth, seventh and eighth. Do that tomorrow and he'll be flying.
Today 02:51 PM
Gareth Hanna
'It's 275 - should carry it'
If ever we needed a reminder that these guys are playing a different game. Into the breeze on 4, Spieth assesses the danger of the first bunker and how he can take it out of play.
In the end he faded it off the bunker into absolutely perfect place. Good job too, because he wouldn't have carried it.
Today 02:45 PM
Gareth Hanna
Friends of a star
Emily Hannaway and Lawrence Dunn are from Atlanta, Georgia, and are here in memory of a golfer in their family - and also to see their friend from home, competitor Stewart Cink. The 2009 Open champion is set to begin his first round at 11.26am tomorrow alongside Matteo Manassero and Marc Leishman.
Today 02:41 PM
Happy Harrington
The 53-year-old insists he is not going to just make up the numbers at Royal Portrush after being handed the annual honorary first tee time at this year's Open Championship, traditionally given by the R&A to a noteworthy player but one that is not considered to actually be in contention.
Padraig Harrington insists Open ceremonial tee will not dull his competitiveness
Two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington appreciates the honour of being asked to get the tournament at Royal Portrush under way but insists the ceremonial duty will not dull his competitive edge.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Today 02:37 PM
Gareth Hanna
Green testing
Spieth is flopping plenty of shots round the green, although all these guys will realise today's flat calm conditions make these shots behave very different to tomorrow, when it gives a slightly more turbulent outlook
Today 02:31 PM
Gareth Hanna
The Dame!
Dame Laura Davies is out on the course - and even had a grin for photographer John! What a legend of the game. She has four major titles to her name, and entered the World Golf Hall of Game in 2015.
Today 02:22 PM
Gareth Hanna
Long-range Spieth selfie
This is Spencer and Tim from Australia, who are on a European tour and have stopped off at the golf. They shouted over for a selfie and Jordan Spieth told them to point the camera! Nice one.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Former Cliftonville star swaps West Ham United for League of Ireland club: ‘I'm buzzing to be here'
The 19-year-old has joined the League of Ireland Premier Division champions on a permanent basis. 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be here,' said Moore who has agreed a multi-year deal. 'Shelbourne is a massive club and I'm delighted to get the deal done. I'm ready to get to work, hit the ground running, and show the fans what I'm all about.' The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international joined the Hammers from Cliftonville in 2023. Over two seasons, he made 56 appearances for the development side, scoring 10 goals as the Under-21s finished in second and fourth place in Premier League 2 in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Moore joins Shels ahead of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, second-leg tie against Qarabag. His performances for Cliftonville in 2022/23 saw the teenager named in the NIFL Premiership Team of the Year and win the NI Football Writers' Association Young Player of the Year award. Shels boss Joey O'Brien said: 'Sean's a top young player with huge potential. He came into the game at a young age with Cliftonville and earned a great education over in England with West Ham. 'Now he's ready to kick on with the next stage of his career, and we're delighted he's put his trust in us. 'He's an exciting player to watch, really positive in how he plays the game. He can play in multiple positions on both sides of the pitch, which gives us great flexibility.' Luke Byrne, Shelbourne FC Technical Director, added on the club's website: 'Sean is a really exciting talent with lots of potential and we are looking forward to working with him to develop that talent. 'He is a young Irish player who definitely fits the profile that we want to add to the squad. We're very happy he has chosen Shelbourne as the best place to continue his career.'
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland fightback to defeat Czechia in Portugal: ‘We made life difficult for ourselves'
Having trailed 3-1, an impressive third quarter display saw Ireland take control of the game, with Johnny McKee, Matthew Nelson and a Lee Cole brace giving Ireland a lead that they saw out to secure the win. Ireland dominated possession in the opening minutes, with Matthew Nelson's early effort deflected over the bar by the Czech defenders. McKee earned Ireland the first penalty corner of the match after Louis Rowe did well to release his Banbridge teammate on the break. Cole's effort from the corner was well saved. Czechia, however, drew first blood, breaking the deadlock just before the end of the first quarter, a deft touch in the circle from a crash ball beating Jaime Carr in the Irish net. Czechia added a second to their tally halfway through quarter 2, but Ireland pulled a goal back just before half-time thanks to some individual brilliance from Daragh Walsh. He cut inside from the right-hand side and beat two players before finding McKee on the penalty spot to strike into the back of the net. Czechia's pace on the break continued to cause Ireland problems in the second half, as they won a penalty corner after two minutes, which Ireland did well to defend initially. However, Czechia eventually found the net from the follow-up. Ireland responded immediately, McKee getting his second and a great pass from Matthew Nelson to fire in on his reverse from a tight angle. With the momentum now in their favour, Ireland launched another attack, McKee yet again getting involved with his effort at goal blocked on the line by a Czech body to win Ireland a penalty stroke, which Cole dispatched to draw Ireland level at 3-3. Sean Murray and Matthew Nelson combined to put Ireland ahead for the first time in the game, Murray weaving his way along the baseline and calmly flicking towards goal for Nelson to touch into the net. Ireland pressed immediately from the restart, with Cole eventually winning ball on the edge of the Czech circle and drawing a heavy foul to win a second penalty stroke, which he again dispatched to extend Ireland's lead to 5-3 and that was enough for victory. Speaking after the game, Ireland Head Coach Mark Tumilty said: 'We made that difficult for ourselves today. Any time they got into our circle they looked dangerous. We have enough experience in this competition to know how difficult it can be, but we need to manage those challenging patches better.' Discussing Ireland's comeback, Tumilty added: 'The positive was quarter three where we played better hockey, were more aggressive in the press, and scored some good goals.' Ireland will face Italy in their next game of Pool A on Tuesday, July 29 at 3.15pm.
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Padraig Harrington achieves rare Claret Jug double with Sunningdale success
Irishman becomes just fifth player to win both The Open and Senior Open Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Padraig Harrington became just the fifth player to win both The Open and the ISPS Handa Open as the Irishman claimed the over-50s' Claret Jug at Sunningdale. The Irishman, a two-time Open champion in 2007 and 2008, signed off with a three-under-par 67 at the Berkshire venue to win by three shots as he finished on 16 under. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Harrington, who also won last month's US Open, joined Bob Charles, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Darren Clarke as the only players to do the double. Padraig Harrington shows off the trophy after winning the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Sunningdale | Getty Images 'You know, right now I'm just thrilled to have won the tournament and gone out there and played well,' said Harrington. 'But there's only five players (to achieve this feat), so you want to be in that category. I'm thrilled, euphoric that I've gotten it done.' With Rory McIlroy, who recently moved to nearby Wentworth, taking in the last-day action, Harrington got off to the perfect start as he eagled the first. He then added birdies at the sixth, ninth and 14th while his card also included dropped shots at the eighth and 17th. Gleneag;es Hotel will host 2026 ISPS HANDA Senior Open Dane Thomas Bjorn (67) and American Justin Leonard (68) finished in tie for second, with Australian Scott Hend a further shot back after a joint-best-of-the-day 65. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Signing off with a bogey-free 67, Stephen Gallacher finished as the top Scot, tying for 12th on seven under, one ahead of Paul Lawrie after he also closed with a three-under effort. Meanwhile, Gleneagles Hotel will host the 2026 edition - the second time the over-50s' major will be held at the Perthshire venue.
