The Open: The best images from Royal Portrush

Rory McIlroy’s nightmarish start at The Open may have stolen headlines, but the commencement of the 148th tournament had a number of highlights.The Northern Irish golfer welcomed the tournament to Royal Portrush in peculiar circumstances - by firing out of bounds on the first tee.He then fired an eight after breaking a spectator’s phone. Not the ideal start. But if that was not enough for you, a dog invaded the green while another former champion David Duval had a 13 at the seventh.All in all, there was plenty of action.Make sure to flick through our gallery for all the best images from the scenic golf course.Featured from our writersFootball Association contacts Huddersfield over new Paddy Power-sponsored kitHelmets? Australian cricket legend Chappell left outraged by protection idea for bowlersOle Gunnar Solskjaer praises 'fantastic human being' Paul Pogba