Overview

• Persistent rain and gusts reaching 15 mph are making Royal Portrush’s firm turf and blind shots more treacherous for participants.
• Jacob Skov Olesen carded a four-under 67 to seize an early first-round lead, tied with Matthew Fitzpatrick and Li Haotong.
• Rory McIlroy, buoyed by local support as the Northern Ireland native, along with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Xander Schauffele, are navigating the testing links.
• The four Canadian competitors—Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith—are seeking to make their mark on links golf’s oldest major.
• The Weather Channel forecasts rain throughout the tournament, placing a premium on wind reading and creativity on Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links.