“I was thankfully able to get the tee shot away, even though it was in the left rough -- not quite as far left as in 2019. It was a shaky start. I missed the short one on 1, but then I bounced back well. Considering that I didn't drive the ball well, it's a solid start. If I can hit a few more fairways over the next few days, I'm right in there with a great chance.”

Rory McIlroy · said 2025-07-17 · reported 2025-07-17

Rory McIlroy evaluated his performance after completing the opening round at Royal Portrush.