McKibbin, who learned his craft atRory McIlroy’s Holywood Golf Club an hour down the road, recovered from two over to reach two under at the turn.

The British Open at Royal Portrush started Thursday the way the last one ended: A packed grandstand and throaty cheers ...

The 53-year-old, who won back-to-back Claret Jugs in 2007 and 2008, was given the honour of hitting the opening shot.