McIlroy, despite his uneven performances in the P.G.A. Championship and U.S. Open, will be among the favorites this week in his native country, as will Xander Schauffele, the defending champion, and Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer in the world. Here are five other players to watch.

A few seconds after telling a reporter in a press conference on Tuesday at Royal Portrush that he doesn't read many books beyond the prayer devotional on his iPad, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler spent five minutes and 40 seconds tackling a philosophical question that has plagued the sharpest minds our world has produced,

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The crowds following Rory McIlroy for three days at Royal Portrush have been enormous, a reminder of the expectations. On banners and flags and buntings of grandstands there are images of the claret jug, a reminder of what's at stake at the British Open.

With an unpredictable outcome and weather always a factor on links courses, European players are gaining in current betting action.

Backspin: His year was slowed by a rib injury that kept him out for two months. Padraig Harrington (2007-08), Tiger Woods (2005-06) and Tom Watson (1982-83) are the only back-to-back Open champions the last 50 years.

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

W orld No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa are grouped together for the first two rounds of the 153rd British Open, beginning July 17 at Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland. They will tee off in the first round at 5:09 a.m. (EDT) and in the second round at 10:10 a.m.

Scottie Scheffler said on Tuesday he does "not care" about being the tournament favourite as he prepares for his latest tilt at a maiden British Open title this week at Royal Portrush."I could not care any less about being the favourite or not being the favourite,