Rory McIlroy Aims for British Open Redemption at Royal Troon

Rory McIlroy begins his path to recovery at the British Open at Royal Troon. Among Thursday's early starters, he is joined by Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. The wind at Royal Troon presents challenges as McIlroy aims to end his 10-year major drought.

Rory McIlroy has embarked on his journey toward recovery, beginning with the British Open at Royal Troon. The tournament commenced on a cool, cloudy Thursday morning along the Irish Sea.

The silver claret jug, which Brian Harman, the defending champion, returned at the beginning of the week, adorned the first tee. Justin Leonard, who claimed the Open at Royal Troon in 1997, had the honor of hitting the opening shot into a stiff breeze.

McIlroy, alongside U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, played in the early wave. The wind off the Firth of Clyde posed its usual challenge, aiding contenders in the shorter front nine but pushing against them on the longer back nine.

The opposing wind direction marked the start of the Open.

McIlroy, who last secured a major victory ten years ago, is keen to break his title drought after a heartbreaking performance at last month's U.S. Open where he missed crucial putts. Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods are among those teeing off in the afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies.)