Two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington admits he was as emotional as he has ever been on a golf course hitting the first tee shot of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The 53-year-old Dubliner, who won back-to-back Claret Jugs in 2007 and 2008, was given the honour of getting the tournament under way at 6.35am and he received a huge welcome.
He responded by holing an 18-foot birdie at the first but it was downhill from there as he struggled on the greens and eventually signed for a four-over 75 after losing a ball with a wayward drive on the 10th.
"I got a little emotional when I was clapped on, and then I calmed down, and I was kind of fine when I was hitting it," he said.
The opening tee shot of The 153rd Open. pic.twitter.com/rRZokRqF8M
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2025
"I wouldn't say I get too emotional, not like that, no. It felt like they were there for me, giving me a clap.
"I expected the nerves; I didn't expect that so I did have to adjust myself for that.
"Hitting that second three-iron into 18 feet and holing the putt was a serious buzz.
"I don't feel like there's anything wrong with my putting (but) I had a horrible day on the greens.
"It might have been a little bit of the fact that I was hyped up for the first tee box. Who knows?
"I certainly felt like I played better, could have played better, should have played better, scored better."
