Rory McIlroy made an impressive return to the Open Championship, recording a one-under par 70 at Royal Portrush amidst challenging conditions, marking a remarkable improvement from his last outing six years ago. He is currently just three strokes behind the leaders. McIlroy expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating, “[The support is] absolutely incredible.”

In addition to McIlroy’s performance, Scottie Scheffler also stood out with a score of 68, showcasing his potential with the putter, which could significantly elevate his chances for a major title if he maintains his form.

Padraig Harrington was the first to tee off and made an emotional return, underlining the competitive spirit in this year’s Open, which has seen seasoned players like Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood also competing strongly. The combination of age and experience appears to be a formidable advantage in unpredictable weather conditions at the championship.

The excitement on the course is palpable, and as the tournament continues, many players will be looking to capitalize on their early successes to secure a coveted spot in the weekend rounds.