There’s old faithful and then there’s really old faithful. At Royal Portrush G.C., Robert MacIntyre is challenging to become Champion Golfer of the Year with a club in the bag that dates back to 2014—or when MacIntyre was a mere teenager.

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

There is a five-way tie for the lead after the first round of the 153rd Open Championship with Jacob Skov Olesen, Haotong Li, Matt Fitzpatrick, Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Harris English shooting 4-under 67 Thursday at Royal Portrush. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (68) is one back with home favorite Rory McIlroy (70) three off the pace.

Rory McIlroy experimentó nuevamente esa sensación de zozobra en el primer hoyo en Royal Portrush. De acuerdo, el héroe

It’s like you’re telling stories over a beer, reflecting on the day at the pub. There’s an intimacy and loyalty."

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

Golf nourishes itself with low-hanging narratives, those saccharine, feel-good tales about lives redeemed or neighborhoods rejuvenated thanks to the royal and ancient game.

Pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants in Portrush say this week has surpassed their expectations.