Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but it's not on the island of Great Britain. So why is it hosting the “British” Open this week?

Tony Finau was sailing along just fine until he stumbled with a bogey on the par-4 17th in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland on Thursday. He is tied for 20th with a round of 1-under-par 70.

The Golf Channel's Rich Lerner joins Morning Joe to discuss the 2025 Open Championship. July 17, 2025. Read More

Rory McIlroy was there for the most consequential moment of Shane Lowry’s career, kneeling greenside when his best friend secured t

When the Open returned to Royal Portrush in 2019, a great deal of ink was spent explaining why it hadn’t visited Northern Ireland in 68 years.

This is about the Open, a championship in its 153rd year. And it’s about Portrush, a seasonal town of 6,000 or so, one with a Ferris wheel and a long swath of beach, and dogs off leashes, and a gem of a links course that’s carved its place in the Open rota. And it’s about Irish golf.

Why these 9 Golfers can win the 2025 Open Championship in Ireland

The final major of the season is here. Follow along for live updates, scores, highlights and more from the first round of the 2025 British Open.

On Thursday a special collection between the two was announced that specifically celebrates the Open and Northern Ireland. The duo have put together a capsule collection that combines the essence of the North Coast with Malbon’s contemporary designs. Amazingly, this whole thing is taking place near the Bushmills Distillery.