McIlroy, who hails from just over 60 miles away in Holywood, County Down, endured a torrid time when The Open was last held at the Northern Irish course

At the Open Championship at Portrush this week, the players cross onto the Valley course now and again, perhaps without even knowing it. The post Open Championship venue has second course, and it's (kind of) in play this week appeared first on Golf.

At the time, they could not have known, but they were about to create what would become the only golf course outside Great Britain to host the Open Championship not once, but three times. As we approach the 153rd Open Championship,

Shane Lowry remains the most recent European to win the Open. In the last four editions, three Americans – Collin Morikawa, Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele – and one Australian – Cameron Smith – ha

Shane Lowry delivered among the most epic wins in Irish golf history. At Portrush 10 years later, he did it again. Now? He's chasing a third act.

All eyes understandably will be on Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy while the opening tee shot will be taken by none other than two-time champion Padraig Harrington. Also in the field is golfing legend and Portrush member Darren Clarke, while Tom McKibbin offers plenty of intrigue.

Shane Lowry showed his sense of humor during his press conference ahead of The Open Championship, reducing reporters to laughter with joke as he previewed the tournament

Shane Lowry said ahead of the Open Championship on Monday that feeling pangs of self-doubt before big events isn't always a bad thing.