IT'S OPEN SEASON...

Tournament tees up Major fan excitement

- SEAN MURPHY

IRISH sport fans are in for a week to remember - with a golfing Major, the All-Ireland Hurling Final and a local Champions League derby to savour.

The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in Co Antrim, which starts on Thursday, will attract fans from all over the country and draw a global TV audience of tens of millions.

Xander Schauffele will be hoping to retain the Claret Jug but standing in his way are Ireland's past champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.

World No2 Rory, 36, who secured an historic Grand Slam of Majors in April, returns to the north coast with a new shorter, hairdo.

He explained: "I'm getting a little grey. I stupidly thought that by going shorter, it would take the greys out.

TITLE

"If anything, I think it makes me look more grey. But it'll be the perfect length for the Ryder Cup in September."