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.

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.

That distinction belongs to world No. 1 and reigning PGA champion Scottie Scheffler. Masters — and Grand Slam — champ McIlroy is a clear second choice, with Jon Rahm, who has three top-10s in his last four Open starts, third.

The world's top pro golfers compete at the 2025 season's final major tournament at Royal Portrush Golf Club's Dunluce Course in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. That includes the event's favorites Scottie Scheffler and this year's Masters champion Rory McIlroy, as well as the Open's defending champion Xander Schauffele.

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

SportsLine golf expert Brady Kannon just locked in his PGA Tour best bets for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Our Open Championship best bets and predictions call for an undervalued winner this weekend at Royal Portrush.