By the time Rory McIlroy finished his first practice round for the British Open at Royal Portrush, a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine was waiting to see him finish.

Set the coffee pot for the wee hours of the morning, because we’re heading to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the British Open this week. It’s going to be an early start for fans in the United States, but it should be well worth it with all of the drama and the fantastic return to links-style golf that should excite golf fans far and wide.

Four Canadians are in the field for The Open, which begins Thursday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. World No. 24 Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., leads the Canadian contingent, joined by No. 29 Nick Taylor of Abbotsford,

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — A hole-by-hole look at Royal Portrush Golf Club, site of the 153rd Open Championship to be played July 17-20.

Bryson DeChambeau is open to ideas as he bids to improve his poor record at the British Open, where handling the fickle weather can be the key to success.

Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland is hosting this week’s tournament. The post Open Championship Considers Ireland: Portrush ‘Will Open’ Gates appeared first on Front Office Sports.

A mural of Shane Lowry holding aloft the claret jug adorns the side wall of a house just across the road from Royal Portrush.