It was a return six years in the making, and it was a return that perfectly encapsulated Rory McIlroy. Making the trek back to Royal Portrush for The Open Championship -- now as a career grand slam winner -- the Northern Irishman experienced a topsy-turvy day as the hard stuff came easy and the easy stuff came hard.

At rainy Royal Portrush, caddies shield golf balls, not players. Learn why, and how water changes shots and spin in wet conditions.

The first day of the 2025 Open Championship is expected to be rainy, with periods of heavy rain that could accumulate up to a quarter of an inch. The high temperature is expected to be around 69 degrees, with a low of 57 degrees, and winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour, according to The Weather Channel.

Rain lashed from above, North Atlantic winds pummeled from the side, and thousands of excited, umbrella-wielding shapes swirled amongst it all, yet the man at the eye of the storm remained entirely unflustered.

Tuesday’s forecast for Royal Portrush will likely serve as a preview for the rest of the championship rounds – outbreaks of rain amid some sunny spells.

Open Championship will experience occasional showers throughout the week. Here is a look ahead at the weather at Royal Portrush.

A trio of Englishmen make superb starts to the 153rd Open Championship on a rain-lashed opening morning at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.