After months of anticipation, the 148th Open Championship has officially begun at Royal Portrush.
Darren Clarke had the honour of hitting the first shot of the tournament just after 6:30am this morning.
Around 5,500 spectators were on the course before Darren took the first shot.
#TheOpen returning to Royal Portrush is an amazing feeling. These are special people, and I'm immensely proud to be one of them. I've been an American for quite some time, but when I come back here, I'm an Ulsterman. pic.twitter.com/gMUY2ED1d9
— David Feherty (@Fehertwit) July 17, 2019
As #TheOpen swings into action today #ProjectServator officers had an early start deployed @Translink_NI stations #KeepingPeopleSafe as they travel to and from @royalportrush. Can you spot our plain clothed officers in the crowds?
Find out more here: https://t.co/etBDKWHIh4 pic.twitter.com/ZwhLKNm6fE
— PSNI CC&G District (@PSNICCGDistrict) July 18, 2019
After 68 years, #TheOpen has returned to Northern Ireland?@taylormadegolf pic.twitter.com/UxYcVpW8jq
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) July 17, 2019
Just a friendly reminder. ⏰
Let's go #TeamTaylorMade! pic.twitter.com/mdOIeZ88jg
— TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) July 18, 2019
Walked into Augusta with a group of Brits for 2017 Masters with my son and told them I was pulling for Rory to win. Asked what venue I should go for an Open and they unequivocally said Royal Portrush. Sadly I couldn’t make it this year but excited to watch it. Good Luck Rory
— GastroDoc (@mlc8588) July 17, 2019
#TRAIN To support busy train services throughout #TheOpen, coaches/buses will be operation throughout the Championship to bring you to/from #Portrush. ^CS pic.twitter.com/J3AvMyO9Zu
— Translink (@Translink_NI) July 18, 2019
My colleague Dr Chris Nevill interviewed yesterday by the BBC. He gives a good account of what we do to support the workers and spectators @TheOpen @royalportrush Best of luck to all the players today pic.twitter.com/jfrhnVfvj2
— Peter Hughes (@upperlimbcentre) July 18, 2019
How good is #TheOpen! How good is @royalportrush! And the coverage starts at 3:30pm here in Australia! AND my wife’s out for the evening so there’s no discussion about what’s on TV!! #Nirvana
— Geoff Webster (@geoff_webster) July 18, 2019
Great watching Darren Clarke smiling and talking on his round @TheOpen @royalportrush #OpenChampionship
— Andy Clark (@andy_clark82) July 18, 2019
And we are here #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/NNm8P75E9q
— James Love (@james__love) July 18, 2019