More than 275,000 spectators are anticipated over the course of the tournament, but many may have to brave wet and stormy weather conditions.
The UK Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for parts of Northern Ireland, with a risk of thunderstorms and flash flooding between 11 am and 8 pm local time.
Thursday night will bring light showers and a cloudy start to Friday, though some sunshine may break through during the day.
Saturday is forecast to begin mostly dry with scattered morning showers, but heavier rain and isolated thunderstorms may develop as the day progresses.
Despite the unpredictable weather, fans and players alike will be hoping for fair conditions as The Open unfolds along Northern Ireland’s northern coast.
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington got the tournament underway under cloudy skies on Thursday morning, playing alongside Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark and Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin for the first round.
Defending champion Xander Schauffele was also set to get underway in the morning, paired with fellow American JJ Spaun and Spain’s Jon Rahm, the 2021 US Open winner.
World No 1 Scottie Scheffler is part of a star-studded trio that includes Collin Morikawa and Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who famously won the Claret Jug at Portrush in 2019.
Meanwhile, local favourite Rory McIlroy tees off in the afternoon. The Northern Irishman, chasing his second Open title, is grouped with England’s Tommy Fleetwood and American Justin Thomas.
