By Martyn Herman and Ed Osmond PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (Reuters) -World number one Scottie Scheffler conjured up a brilliant 64 to lead the British Open after an enthralling second round as home favourite Rory McIlroy's roller-coaster ride continued at Royal Portrush on Friday.

Rory McIlroy shot 1 under Thursday at Royal Portrush, a better start than the first time he played the British Open at the Northern Ireland course near home.

Rory McIlroy's game doesn't resemble the stereotypical wind-formed, UK-style game that we've rightly or wrongly come to assume from these players. He doesn't hit low, navigating, left-to-right runners,

Five golfers are on top of The Open Championship leaderboard after one round of play at Royal Portrush. Matthew Fitzpatrick, Harris English, Jacob Skov Olesen, Haotong Li and Christaan Bezuidenhout all sit at four-under.

The first day of the Open was a grind, but many players did exactly what was needed. Others, not so much. We call 'em like we see 'em.

It's the 2025 British Open Championship, where 156 of the world's best players are tackling Royal Portrush in hopes of capturing the coveted Claret Jug and being named Champion Golfer of the Year.

World number one Scottie Scheffler made a fine start to the British Open with a three-under par round at a rain-swept Royal Portrush on Thursday before home favourite Rory McIlroy began his tournament in front of huge crowds.

Rory McIlroy will be roared on in his homeland as the 153rd British Open gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday (Friday in Manila) as world number one Scottie Scheffler seeks his first Claret Jug.