Royal Portrush is set to stage a thrilling chapter of major championship golf as the first round of The 153rd Open gets underway, and anticipation is high with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood paired together in one of the most talked-about groups of the tournament. Alongside them, two-time major winner Justin Thomas completes what many are calling a “marquee three-ball” set for Thursday afternoon. McIlroy, the 2014 Open champion and Northern Ireland’s most celebrated golfer, will be hoping to add another Claret Jug to his collection and claim a first-ever major triumph on home soil.

The group’s tee time is set for 3:10 pm BST, drawing considerable attention from fans and pundits alike. McIlroy returns to Portrush buoyed by a career-defining season, recently clinching the Green Jacket at the Masters to complete his career Grand Slam. The Northern Irishman enjoys not only immense home support but also the knowledge of these classic links, having grown up just a short drive away. The pairing with Fleetwood is particularly poignant, as the Englishman finished runner-up at Portrush the last time The Open was played here in 2019—a memory that lingers in the minds of many golf enthusiasts.

Justin Thomas rounds out the group and adds another layer of star power and intrigue. Known for his aggressive play and sharp iron game, Thomas provides a different dynamic to the group, setting the stage for an electric contest across the opening two rounds. The organizers’ decision to group these players together speaks to their status as leading contenders and global fan favorites, ensuring massive galleries on site and significant television interest worldwide. This high-profile draw also offers a narrative-rich backdrop, with McIlroy eager to overturn his missed cut from 2019 and Fleetwood seeking his breakthrough major victory.

The draw is not just a showpiece for The Open but a nod to golf’s tradition of pairing big names in the early rounds, ensuring that drama unfolds from the very first tee shot. Spectators are also promised extensive live coverage and in-depth analysis, with each player bringing proven championship credentials and recent form to this historic venue. With conditions promising typical links challenges—shifting winds, firm fairways, and demanding bunkers—every shot will be scrutinized as these superstars vie for a grip on the Claret Jug. For fans, the McIlroy-Fleetwood-Thomas group exemplifies the excitement and unpredictability that makes the Open unique.