Introduction As Royal Portrush prepares to host The Open (17–20 July), five stories capture attention: hometown heartbreak, human vulnerability, veteran grit, preparation rituals and cultural celebration. 1.  McDowell’s Local miss Graeme McDowell, once feted with a hole named in his honour, failed to qualify after shooting +1 through 36 holes . Insight: Familiarity generates expectation—but don’t