The British Open at Royal Portrush started Thursday the way the last one ended: A packed grandstand and throaty cheers for an Irish golfer.
Padraig Harrington, a two-time Open champion, hit the opening shot of the 153rd edition of golf's oldest championship with a piercing iron into the wind off the North Atlantic, between pot bunkers on both sides and into the fairway.
The Open returns to Royal Portrush after only six years. The final stroke in 2019 was a tap-in par for Shane Lowry of Ireland for his first major title .
Harrington was the last to arrive on the first tee, the silver claret jug positioned to the left to remind players what's at stake this year. He raised his cap, appreciating the gesture of the RA to offer him the opening shot.
And then he produced an even louder cheer when he holed a 15-foot birdie putt.