Golf's oldest championship returns to Royal Portrush. It's the third time the British Open has gone to the Northern Ireland links. Shane Lowry won in 2019.

Set the coffee pot for the wee hours of the morning, because we’re heading to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the British Open this week. It’s going to be an early start for fans in the United States, but it should be well worth it with all of the drama and the fantastic return to links-style golf that should excite golf fans far and wide.

It is a strong test for elite golfers, and a very difficult one for amateurs and the average golfer. It was found as the County Club in 1888 and became the Royal County Club in 1892. In 1895 it became Royal Portrush.

Darren Clarke has spoken of his “huge honour” after having a hole named after him at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The Northern Ireland links is hosting an Open for the second time in six years, but before that there was a 68-year drought. Bob Harig explores its evolution.

The yellow weather warning will be in place tomorrow, Thursday, July 17, from 11am to 8pm, for the first day of The Open. It is expected to impact much of the region, but is likely to be heaviest in the west. Heavy rain is also to be expected during the time, with around 30-40mm of rainfall possible over a few hours.

A mural of Shane Lowry holding aloft the claret jug adorns the side wall of a house just across the road from Royal Portrush.

Fourteen years ago this week, as he calmly strutted up the 18th fairway at Royal St. George's Golf Club — his first and perhaps only major championship firmly in his back pocket — Darren Clarke admits there was a feeling of joy that swept over him like none he'd ever felt.