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Jacob Skov Olesen, the British Amateur champion last year from Denmark, was the first player to get to 5 under until a bogey at the last. He was joined at 67 by Li Haotong of China, and then Fitzpatrick joined the group with his marvelous chip-in. Christiaan Bezuidenhout was the only player from the afternoon wave to join them at 67.

The first day of the Open was a grind, but many players did exactly what was needed. Others, not so much. We call 'em like we see 'em.

Rory McIlroy made a valiant return to Royal Portrush at the British Open, posting an opening-round 70. Despite battling difficult conditions, McIlroy's round was a testament to his determination. Walking off the course three shots off the lead,

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.

Well, aside from the fact that you probably wouldn’t know most of them if they were sitting right next to you … they’re all leading the British Open at -4 after the tournament’s first day at Royal Portrush.

World number one Scottie Scheffler made a fine start to the British Open with a three-under par round at a rain-swept Royal Portrush on Thursday before home favourite Rory McIlroy began his tournament in front of huge crowds.

The crowds following Rory McIlroy for three days at Royal Portrush have been enormous, a reminder of the expectations. On banners and flags and buntings of grandstands there are images of the claret jug,