How to watch every single shot from the biggest names in golf throughout Round 2 at the 2025 Open Championship

There were two statistics that really stood out following Rory McIlroy’s first-round 70 at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Bookmark this play if Rory McIlroy is in the mix this weekend for the claret jug. McIlroy overcame a shaky driver to turn in a one-under 70 Thursday at Royal Portrush and opened his second round with a birdie.

The top two golfers in the world are firmly in contention at The Open with Scheffler out in front entering another major championship weekend

Rory McIlroy starts the weekend seven shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler who will partner England’s Matt Fitzpatrick in the final group on Saturday

Rory McIlroy came close to finishing among the leaders in the first round of the Open, but the back nine proved it can be a tough challenge for anyone.

In 2019, the last time The Open Championship was played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, native son Rory McIlroy missed the cut. There is no danger of that happening at the 2025 edition of The Open.

McIlroy didn't play his best Thursday at Royal Portrush but shot 1-under 70 and is three shots off the 18-hole lead.