Phil Mickelson got off to a great—and exciting—start to the 2025 British Open on Thursday morning at Royal Portrush. In other words, it was vintage Phil Mickelson.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Jacob Skov Olesen is the surprise leader of the 153rd British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Padraig Harrington struck the first tee shot as the 153rd British Open started in cloudy conditions at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

The simplest one is to wager on the in-form golfers, a list led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. McIlroy may get the nod over Scheffler in some circles this week because he's playing on home soil at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

There is wall-to-wall coverage, along with a six-hour time difference between Northern Ireland and Dallas. It will start at 12:30 a.m. on the Peacock streaming service, and then USA Network picks up coverage from 3 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

The winner of the 2025 British Open will make the same as last year's champ but more than $1 million more than the last time it was at Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy will be roared on in his homeland as the 153rd British Open gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday as world number one Scottie Scheffler seeks his first Claret Jug.The world number three has not won a tournament since lifting the Claret Jug a year ago and has not even managed a top-five finish in 12 tournaments this year.