The British Open is underway at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Two-time champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. Xander Schauffele of the United States is trying to become the first player since Harrington in 2007-08 to win the Open in successive years.

Almost 280,000 golf spectators are attending the event at Royal Portrush throughout the week. After practice days from Sunday onwards, Thursday was the first day of tournament action and it lived up to expectations for many traders in the County Londonderry town.

What will the weather be at The Open? Could storms disrupt play at The Open? Latest forecast for Royal Portrush, including day-by-day conditions expected for all four tournament rounds; Watch The Open

After starting his Thursday with an eagle on the second hole en route to a first-round 67, Matt Fitzpatrick is right at the top of the British Open leaderboard. A four-under start at Royal Portrush is nothing to sneeze at,

Royal Portrush is not only open to visitors, but its yearly membership dues are what the average American golfer spends on public tee times.

As the best players in the world prepare for this 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, it’s important to note just how different Irish golf – and particularly this one – is from those classic Scottish or English rota courses.

Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

This time around, the 153rd Open is a special homecoming event for Ireland’s top golfer Rory McIlroy, who has been seen sporting his green jacket - awarded following the Co Down star’s career Grand Salm win at The Masters in Augusta earlier this year.