Overview

• The Open’s 153rd edition tees off July 17–20 with players wrapping up practice rounds and finalising preparations this week
• Rory McIlroy returns to Portrush for the first time since his 2019 collapse, leaning into local support after completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters
• Defending champion Xander Schauffele, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and 2019 winner Shane Lowry lead a star-studded field hunting the Claret Jug
• Organisers anticipate more than 275,000 spectators and have expanded on-course facilities and crowd management for a record turnout
• The BBC has secured a three-year highlights deal with the R&A, marking its return to Open coverage with evening packages starting this week