PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The moment that surprised Rory McIlroy the most when he played the 2019 Britidh Open at Royal Portrush—the first Open held in his home country of Northern Ireland since 1951—was the ovation on the first tee.

Rory McIlroy conquered his golfing Everest by securing Grand Slam glory in April, but The Open provides an opportunity to climb another mountain and deliver more major redemption.

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.

Ahead of the Open Championship this week in his homeland Rory McIlroy has dawned his newly won Green Jacket at Royal Portrush.

Scottie Scheffler is the pre-tournament favourite at The Open, where Rory McIlroy looks to impress on home soil and claim a sixth major title; Jon Rahm and 2019 champion Shane Lowry among the other contenders at Royal Portrush;

Rory McIlroy Sends Clear Message on The Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Rory McIlroy returns home to Northern Ireland as the fans want to see him end a more special year on a spectacular note.