Golfnews

An in-depth knowledge of the host course can be a huge advantage at a Major Championship and there are some guys who have that in abundance this week.

J B Holmes opened up a one shot lead heading into the second round of The Open Championship but he had a host of European Tour stars breathing down his neck at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Shane Lowry got a few things off his chest in a pub pep talk with his coach on the eve of The Open Championship and that allowed him to turn up the next day and fire a brilliant 67.

Ryan Fox made Open Championship history on day one at Royal Portrush Golf Club by carding the first back nine of 29 in 148 stagings of golf's oldest Major.

All the action from Royal Portrush as day one of the 148th Open unfolds.

Portrush native Graeme McDowell cannot wait to start his campaign at an Open Championship that he played a part in bringing back to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years.

Jon Rahm will be taking inspiration from the great Seve Ballesteros when he goes in search of a third win on the island of Ireland at The Open Championship.

Lucas Bjerregaard tees off in the Open Championship at Portrush on Thursday encouraged by his impressive victory in last year’s Alfred Dunhill Links, and his win over Tiger Woods in the quarter-final of the WGC-Dell Matchplay in February.

Home hero Rory McIlroy is looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere as The Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years but is fully focused on claiming a second Claret Jug at Royal Portrush Golf Club.