The 148th Open Championship was held 18–21 July 2019 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, marking its first appearance there since 1951 (when Max Faulkner won) and featuring major course renovations, including the replacement of two holes. Shane Lowry captured his first major title with a six-stroke victory over Tommy Fleetwood, becoming the second player from the Republic of Ireland to win a major after Pádraig Harrington; he led after 36 holes, set a course record with a 63 in the third round, and survived challenging final-day conditions with a 72. Local heroes Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, and Rory McIlroy competed in a major in their homeland for the first time, but McIlroy, the pre-tournament favorite, missed the cut after an 8-over-par 79 in the first round that included a quadruple bogey on the opening hole. Brooks Koepka finished tied-fourth to become the fifth player to post top-five finishes in all four majors in a single season, while defending champion Francesco Molinari tied for 11th, and no amateurs made the 36-hole cut, so the Silver Medal was not awarded. The championship was televised by Comcast Group (Sky Sports in the UK/Ireland and Golf Channel/NBC in the US), and the Dunluce Links course was lengthened by 201 yards with new tees and bunkers overseen by architects Mackenzie & Ebert.