Erskine, the club’s then-secretary of 35 years—who many credit with bringing the Open to Portrush—was waiting for a defining moment. Some visual cue from the universe to signify the accomplishment that Portrush, after decades of political turmoil on the island of Ireland before a peace in 1998, had enticed the R&A back to this part of the world.

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but it's not on the island of Great Britain. So why is it hosting the “British” Open this week?

This is about the Open, a championship in its 153rd year. And it’s about Portrush, a seasonal town of 6,000 or so, one with a Ferris wheel and a long swath of beach, and dogs off leashes, and a gem of a links course that’s carved its place in the Open rota. And it’s about Irish golf.

Here are 10 players poised to contend at the year’s final major championship, which will be hosted at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland links is hosting an Open for the second time in six years, but before that there was a 68-year drought. Bob Harig explores its evolution.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa are grouped together for the first two rounds of the 153rd British Open, beginning July 17 at Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland. They will tee off in the first round at 5:09 a.m. (EDT) and in the second round at 10:10 a.m.

Rain showers can be expected at times for the 153rd Open Championship, which is being hosted on the coast of Northern Ireland.

Rory McIlroy is back in his native Northern Ireland, with the 36-year-old hoping to add the Open Championship to an already glittering season