The two-time championship winner was blown away by the occasion as he hit the first shot of the 153rd Open, although the rest of the round didn't go to plan for the Stackstown star

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has suggested that The Open could be played in countries outside of the UK, but his comments have not gone down well with Billy Horschel

Golf fans shared their excitement before the start of this year's The Open Championship. The moment that attracted the special attention of fans was Padraig Harrington's first shot at the 154th Open Championship. The Irish golfer left a deep mark by participating in this prestigious tournament, even winning twice.

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.

Padraig Harrington's comments on the future of The Open have been met with a scathing response from fellow PGA Tour pro Billy Horschel, who branded them 'stupid'

Padraig Harrington called for The Open to be hosted in different countries earlier this year, but his comments have not gone down well with fellow professional golfer Billy Horschel

Billy Horschel did not wait long, as he quickly reacted to Harrington's statements. Horschel was quite sarcastic, mentioning some of the countries that could host this prestigious tournament. "If it goes outside of the UK and comes down south to the Republic, you're kind of saying it can go anywhere," he told Bunkered.

From Jon Rahm's photobomb at a bar in Portrush to Padraig Harrington's unique Open Championship research over the years, get caught up.

The Irishman is a two-time winner of The Open - and believes it is bigger and better than ever after matching the U.S. majors

Thursday's opening round of the British Open had a bit of an Old-Timer's Day feel with Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood sharing the early lead at various points. And then there was the man who hit the first shot at Royal Portrush.