Rory McIlroy was caught out by controversial Open course rule on very first hole

The Open at Royal Portrush is set to be a formidable challenge, with players immediately facing a stern test as they tee off. The opening hole at is notorious for making even the most seasoned golfers jittery, and its design, controversially featuring out-of-bounds on both sides, leaves no margin for error right from shot number one.

Rory McIlroy, fresh from completing his career Grand Slam, knows all too well the perils of Hughie's hole after a disastrous start in the previous Open held there. In 2019, the five-time major champion's first drive disastrously veered left into the out-of-bounds, culminating in a quadruple bogey eight that set a grim tone for the rest of his play.

That initial blunder contributed to McIlroy missing the cut, much to the dismay of the local Northern Irish supporters.

This week, McIlroy revisited that painful memory from six years ago, confessing he tries to block out the tumultuous beginning. "I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it or not being ready for how I was going to feel or what I was going to feel, he said.

"Then the golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it."

Even top-tier golfers prefer a safety margin along one side of the hole, but No. 1's layout ensures any misfire is costly.

The first hole, stretching 420 yards, presents challenges beyond the internal out-of-bounds. Shots down the centre are not without risk due to the notorious Open pot bunkers.

The bunker on the left, located at the 290-yard point, poses the greatest threat.

Finding oneself in this bunker can be as detrimental as hitting out-of-bounds, with three-time Open champion Sir Nick Faldo advising players to "respect" the pot bunkers. A ball landing in one often results in a penalty-like situation, necessitating an escape shot that's either backwards or sideways.

Approaching the first hole during practice, the initial drive appears intimidating, a feeling that intensifies as the opening round on Thursday draws near. Wednesday's practice saw relatively calm weather, but with crosswinds expected to pick up as the competition begins, the challenge becomes even more formidable.

Those competing this week are some of the finest players on the globe, and undoubtedly possess the skills to navigate the hole effectively, but with little margin for error, a near-flawless start will be required when they position the tee in the ground on the first day.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.