Phil Mickelson shot under par in the first round of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, ending a poor major stretch.

Phil Mickelson was flying high on Thursday at Royal Portrush, posting a solid 1-under 70 at the opening round of the 153rd British Open.

Phil Mickelson got a horrible break early at the 2025 Open Championship but saved himself with a bunker hole-out to briefly take the lead.

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.

Scottie Scheffler is tied for second, while Jacob Skov Olesen, Li Haotong and Matt Fitzpatrick are atop the Open Championship’s leader board.