As golf's last major returns to Northern Ireland, the 153rd British Open gets underway with early drama, top contenders, and legends.

This is the season's last men's major. 156 of the top players in the world will compete in the 2025 British Open Championship at Royal Portrush in an attempt to win the coveted Claret Jug and win the title of champion golfer of the year.

Defending champion Xander Schauffele, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who will try to work some magic in his native Northern Ireland, and Shane Lowry, who won this tournament the previous time it was held in Portrush in 2019, are all in the packed major field.

For live updates, scores, highlights, and more from the first round of the 2025 British Open, follow along below to keep up with all the action from across the pond.

Padraig Harrington, an Irishman, was privileged to take the first tee shot of the 153rd British Open on Thursday at 6:35 a.m. local time. Although the 53-year-old wanted to make it clear that he doesn't consider himself a ceremonial golfer, he took pleasure in the event and found the fairway. In the 153rd Open, Harrington hit his approach from 210 yards to 15 feet, making the first-ever birdie. On the other hand, Tom McKibbin, a Northern Irishman, had the questionable distinction of becoming the first bogey of the championship. In any case, they are off, and until 4:16 p.m. local time, threesomes will keep teeing off from the first tee at 11-minute intervals.