The British Open is underway at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Two-time champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. Xander Schauffele of the United States is trying to become the first player since Harrington in 2007-08 to win the Open in successive years.

The Open Championship teed off at Royal Portrush, and while the buzz centered around stars like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, a name unfamiliar to many is playing his way into the spotlight: Sadom Kaewkanjana.

After starting his Thursday with an eagle on the second hole en route to a first-round 67, Matt Fitzpatrick is right at the top of the British Open leaderboard. A four-under start at Royal Portrush is nothing to sneeze at,

That distinction belongs to world No. 1 and reigning PGA champion Scottie Scheffler. Masters — and Grand Slam — champ McIlroy is a clear second choice, with Jon Rahm, who has three top-10s in his last four Open starts, third.

So it came as a bit of a jolt for American audiences who woke up Thursday morning to see Lee Westwood near the top of the leaderboard at the British Open. (Also up there: Phil Mickelson, who outdueled Westwood in 2010 at the Masters. Fifteen years ago.)

Let's take a look at the weather forecast for the 2025 Open Championship. Thursday will be the windiest day of the week, according to forecasters, who are calling for cloudy conditions with winds at 15-25 mph from the southeast. Expect temperatures in the upper 60s and rain showers for most of the day.

The Open has had 28 different winners aged 38 or older all-time, the same number as the Masters and U.S. Open combined.

Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 in the first round of the British Open at Royal Portrush that is also serving as a homecoming for the Northern Irish star.

In 2019, it was the first-ever sold-out Open. It was a hugely significant moment for Northern Ireland after a troubled past.