It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

After 18 holes at the 2025 British Open, eyes tend to go to to the top of the leaderboard but also the projected cutline.

It is the first time in major championship history that five or more men, each playing under different flags, were tied for the lead.

Open Championship coverage is on NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel and Peacock, and Round 2 tee times begin at 1:35 a.m. ET on July 18.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2025 British Open Final Payouts, Prize Money, Winnings From Royal Portrush. The final major of 2025 has arrived, and the 2025 British Open is in Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this week. It's offering a $17 million purse, with $3.1 million to the winner.

Scottie Scheffler settled, settled and settled until he surged through the finish line of his opening 18 holes at the 2025 Open Championship. Signing for a first-round 68 to position himself one stroke behind the early co-leaders of Matt Fitzpatrick,

At rainy Royal Portrush, caddies shield golf balls, not players. Learn why, and how water changes shots and spin in wet conditions.