The Open at Royal Portrush 13-20 July 2025
Rory McIlroy's news conference scheduled for 14:00 BST
Shane Lowry's news conference scheduled for 15:00 BST
Shane Lowry won the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush in 2019
So we've heard from Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry today at Royal Portrush.
Some more big hitters up tomorrow with Robert MacIntyre (09:00), Jon Rahm (10:00), Xander Schauffele (14:00), Bryson DeChambeau (14:30) and Scottie Scheffler (15:30) all speaking to media.
See you then!
The 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry is on his way to the press conference room.
Hit the play button above to watch him live.
Read More
Image source, Getty ImagesTwo-time Open champion Padraig Harrington will hit the opening tee shot at this year's tournament at Royal Portrush.
The 53-year-old Irishman, who clinched back-to-back Claret Jugs in 2007 and 2008, will open play on Thursday.
Harrington won his first Open title at Carnoustie in 2007, beating Sergio Garcia in a dramatic play-off after starting the final round six shots back.
He successfully defended in horrendous conditions at Royal Birkdale 12 months later, carding an impressive closing 69 to finish four shots clear of England's Ian Poulter.
Harrington, who also held off Garcia to win the 2008 US PGA Championship, missed the cut at the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush.
Welcome back!
And while we are waiting on Mr Lowry, here's some other bits and pieces from Portrush today
Some interesting quotes from Mr McIlroy there about his approach to this week at Royal Portrush.
We'll be back up and running at 14:45 for 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry's news conference.
See you then!
Image source, Getty ImagesRory McIlroy on the reception he's received so far this week:
"We got to the hotel at 1am last night so it's barely been 13 hours but it's been great.
"By the time I got to the back nine today there was a nice crowd. Seeing all the kids at 18 and signing the autographs was really nice, I'm sure it'll build throughout the week."
On how he feels to be considered Northern Ireland's greatest sportsperson:
"I'll let other people make that determination. I try to give my best when I'm out there, it's amounted to some nice things so far but I feel like there's a lot left in there so the story isn't over.
Image source, Getty ImagesRory McIlroy on getting an early practice round in this morning:
"I got about four hours sleep [after being in the last group at the Scottish Open yesterday] so I'm looking forward to taking a nap.
"The last couple of majors, the practice rounds take so long, it feels like there's so many people inside the ropes all the time, I just felt like I couldn't get good work done.
"I wanted to come up early to beat the crowd. That's why I did that today and it was nice to get 18 holes in and a productive day of work.
Rory McIlroy on his recollections of the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush:
"I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it or what I was going to feel. The golf on Thursday feels like a blur, I try to forget that part of it.
"I remember the run on Friday, I was making a charge to make the cut and hit a 6-iron into the 14th and remember the roar from the crowd. It was getting dark and for whatever reason that stands out.
"That was really special. I wish I had've been here for two more days to experience more of that but hopefully I can change that this week."
Image source, Getty ImagesRory McIlroy on what it means being back at Royal Portrush:
"It means an awful lot [being back home]. It's weird, it doesn't feel like six years have passed since 2019. It's cool that Portrush has the chance to host again. It's great to be back. I don't spend a lot of time here anymore with living abroad and travel schedules.
"It's very nice to be back and I'm looking forward to this week."
On his recent form:
"I'm encouraged by my last two starts, especially at the Scottish Open. Getting back over here after the Travelers has been really nice. It's nice to come in here already having won a major this year. I feel like my game's in a good spot."
Hit the play button right now to hear from Rory McIlroy
Darren Clarke takes Stephen Watson on a guided tour of Royal Portrush Golf Club ahead of the 153rd Open Championship
Available now on the BBC iPlayer
Image source, Getty ImagesDarren Clarke's Guide to Royal Portrush
It's a wet one at the moment on the Northern Irish north coast with thunderstorms in the area at present.
Barely 48 hours ago the sun was shining...
To those visiting from further afield, welcome to summer time in Northern Ireland!
Image source, Getty ImagesSpectators wait for practice to restart during a weather delay during a practice round at Royal Portrush Golf Club
Image source, Getty ImagesHere's a rundown of this week's pre-tournament news conferences (all times BST).
Monday
Rory McIlroy (14:00)Shane Lowry (15:00)
Tuesday
Robert MacIntyre (09:00)Jon Rahm (10:00)Xander Schauffele (14:00)Bryson DeChambeau (14:30)Scottie Scheffler (15:30)
Wednesday
Justin Rose (09:00)JJ Spaun (10:30)R&A news conference (11:00)
Rory McIlroy spent 15 minutes signing an endless stream of Open Championship flags, programmes and hats after finishing his practice round.
Watch: Fan favourite Rory McIlroy signs autographs during a practice round ahead of The Open
Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Royal Portrush
Enthusiastic golf fans descended in great numbers on Monday morning to catch Rory McIlroy's first practice round at Royal Portrush ahead of this week's Open.
Having arrived in Northern Ireland late on Sunday after missing out on a second Scottish Open title, McIlroy was out early for his first look at the Dunluce Links.
McIlroy's dramatic career Grand Slam-clinching Masters win in April has raised expectations that the 36-year-old can win the Claret Jug on home soil after missing the cut in 2019.
The world number two - who won his Open title at Hoylake in 2014 - delighted the sizeable galleries on Monday morning, holing a birdie putt on the 18th green before signing autographs for 15 minutes.
McIlroy is due to speak to the media at 14:00 BST on Monday, followed by 2019 champion Shane Lowry at 15:00 BST.
It was good timing from Rory McIlroy as Monday's practice round was suspended because of thunderstorms at around 12:30 BST.
Hopefully that doesn't set the tone for the week.
If you're planning to come tomorrow, here is the latest BBC weather forecast, with plenty of rain forecast.
Ah sure, it wouldn't be the Open without the weather refusing to play ball.
He was the first man out at Royal Portrush at 07:00 on Monday and Rory McIlroy was in the mood!
The Masters champion is back playing on home turf for the first time since that Augusta win and in fine form after a second place finish at the Scottish Open this weekend
Watch: Rory McIlroy play the 18th hole during practice at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele carded a superb 65 to win last year's Open at Royal Troon, finishing nine under for the week, two shots ahead of fellow American Billy Horschel and England's Justin Rose.
It was Schauffele's second major triumph last year having also won the US PGA Championship.
The world number three hasn't yet recaptured his best form this year, and arrives at Royal Portrush after finishing tied eighth at the Scottish Open.
As per tradition, Schauffele handed back the Claret Jug on Monday.
Image source, Getty ImagesSchauffele hands the Claret Jug back to R&A chief executive Mark Darbon
Throughout the week we'll have a dedicated page for everything from the Open as BBC Sport takes you through every twist and turn in the crowning of 2025's 'Champion Golfer of the Year'.
Alongside our live radio and text coverage throughout the week, we'll aim to bring you some of the press conferences from the likes of Rory McIlroy and defending champion Xander Schauffele alongside expert analysis from our golf correspondent Iain Carter and reporters on the course.
Just hit the 'follow' button on website or app to add it to your 'MySport' feed.
Image source, BBC Sport