Exciting Updates from The Open 2025: Rory McIlroy's Round 1 Tee-Off
Rory McIlroy Wins Association of Golf Writers Player of the Year Award
Rory McIlroy was awarded the Association of Golf Writers player of the year award at Royal Portrush. The Masters champion took a break from his preparations to collect the award in person from chairman Phillip Reid.
Justin Leonard, who won the Open 28 years ago, is performing well and made a 10-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole to reach two under par.
Tommy Fleetwood missed a birdie putt by a narrow margin, while Rory McIlroy's tee shot on the sixth hole got him on the green but he settled for a par.
Justin Rose hit a wayward shot into the sand dunes on a par-five hole, while Bryson DeChambeau's attempt to reach the green fell short. Bob MacIntyre was closest to the green with his shot.
McIlroy and Fleetwood in Action
Rory McIlroy delighted the crowd by sinking a birdie putt, while Tommy Fleetwood struggled to find his rhythm. McIlroy and Justin Thomas were seen chatting, with Fleetwood appearing more tense.
World number 17 Maverick McNealy narrowly missed an eagle putt but settled for a birdie. Tyrrell Hatton also had a chance for eagle but ended up with a par.
Struggles for Hovland, Spieth, and Aberg
Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth faced difficulties on the course, with Hovland recording three bogeys in four holes. The trio seemed to be struggling compared to the afternoon wave of players.
Delays at the Seventh Tee
There was a delay at the seventh tee, with Bob MacIntyre, Bryson DeChambeau, and Justin Rose waiting to tee off. MacIntyre hit a good drive, while DeChambeau's ball got caught in rough terrain.
McIlroy's Strong Performance
Rory McIlroy impressed with a birdie on the fifth hole, eliciting cheers from the crowd. He made a challenging 27-foot putt for his second birdie of the day.
Other Notable Performances
Aaron Rai joined the leaders at four under par but later bogeyed the ninth hole. Harris English made three birdies in the first four holes to move within one shot of the lead.
Sadom Kaewkanjana, who took a break from golf to become a Buddhist monk, qualified for Royal Portrush by winning the Kolon Korea Open. He expressed how his time as a monk helped him focus and improve his golf game.