Chris Gotterup earned his second career PGA TOUR victory at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, edging out Rory McIlroy in a dramatic final round. The win also locked up one of the final three qualifying spots for The Open Championship.
The final major of the season has arrived, as the PGA TOUR travels to Royal Portrush Golf Club for the 153rd Open Championship. One of golf’s most historic and demanding tests, Portrush sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the major championship calendar.
Pre-Tournament Storylines:
Shane Lowry Returns to Royal Portrush
Shane Lowry makes his much-anticipated return to Royal Portrush, the site of his unforgettable 2019 Open Championship victory. The Irishman captured his first—and so far only—major title with a dominant six-shot win over Tommy Fleetwood, highlighted by a stunning course-record 63 in the third round.
Since that career-defining week, Lowry has remained a major threat, posting top-5 finishes at the 2021 PGA Championship and the 2022 Masters. He’s also been a consistent performer at The Open, finishing inside the top 25 in three of his last four appearances.
While he’s still chasing his first win of the 2025 season, Lowry has come close, finishing runner-up at both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Truist Championship. A return to Portrush could be the spark he needs to break through once again.
Xander looks to defend the Claret Jug
Xander Schauffele enters this week’s Open Championship looking to repeat his triumph from last year at Royal Troon. After a breakout season in 2024, Xander started 2025 with high hopes but was sidelined early on by a rib injury. Though he struggled in his first few events this season, he’s since found his rhythm with multiple top-20 finishes. However, he has yet to secure another victory since lifting the Claret Jug.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1860, only 16 players have successfully won the Open Championship in consecutive years. Even more impressively, three golfers have managed to win it three years running, and one legend claimed the title four times in a row.
Scheffler’s Next Summit
Scottie Scheffler has already scaled golf’s highest peaks—but another challenge looms this week at Royal Portrush. The two-time Masters champion added a second major to his growing legacy earlier this season, cruising to a five-shot win at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
Now, Scheffler eyes a third major title. A win at the Open would put him just one shy of the career Grand Slam—a rare achievement in golf history. With Rory McIlroy finally capturing the green jacket this year, don’t be surprised if Scottie keeps pace by conquering the links.
He arrives at Portrush in strong form, having won three of his last seven starts. This will be his fifth Open Championship appearance, highlighted by two top 10 finishes, including a career-best T7 last year at Royal Troon. While this marks his debut at Royal Portrush, few players are better equipped to take on unfamiliar terrain.
McIlroy Returns to His Home Country as a Grand Slam Champion
For the first time since completing the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy returns to his home country of Northern Ireland to compete in The Open Championship—and the stage couldn’t be more meaningful. Earlier this year, McIlroy captured the one title that had long eluded him: the Masters, joining just five other players in history to win all four majors.
This week, he’s back at Royal Portrush, just a two-hour drive from his roots at Holywood Golf Club, where his journey in the game began. McIlroy played in the 2019 Open at Portrush, but a tough opening round led to a missed cut—an outcome that still lingers. Now, six years later, he returns a different player: a Grand Slam winner, the spotlight firmly on him, with a chance to complete the story where it all began.
McIlroy’s 2025 season has been nothing short of outstanding. In addition to his Masters triumph, he’s claimed titles at THE PLAYERS Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, reinforcing his position as one of the sport’s most dominant forces.
Portrush also holds a special place in McIlroy’s personal history. At just 16 years old, he electrified the golf world by shooting an 11-under 61 in stroke-play qualifying for the North of Ireland Championship on July 12, 2005. “It was the first time I ever played 18 holes without a bogey,” McIlroy recalled—an early glimpse of greatness on a course he now returns to with redemption and legacy in sight.
Open Championship to Launch On-Site Monday Qualifier in 2026 for Final Spot in Field
Beginning in 2026, the R&A will introduce a new on-site “last chance” qualifier for the Open Championship, giving one player a dramatic final opportunity to earn a place in golf’s oldest major.
Set to debut at Royal Birkdale, the new format will feature a 12-player, winner-takes-all playoff held on the Monday of Open week—a concept inspired by traditional Monday qualifiers on the PGA Tour. According to the R&A, the move is a direct response to fan feedback calling for more live, meaningful golf content leading into the tournament.
The addition not only raises the stakes for hopefuls on the bubble but also injects a fresh dose of drama and storytelling into the lead-up to The Open.
Northern Ireland Back on Display
For just the third time in history, Royal Portrush will host The Open Championship, once again placing Northern Ireland on golf’s grandest stage.
The course made history in 1951 when it became the first venue outside of Scotland and England to host The Open. That year, Max Faulkner captured the Claret Jug with a bold and stylish performance, etching his name into championship lore and putting Portrush firmly on the map.
Nearly seven decades later, The Open made a triumphant return to the County Antrim coast in 2019, and the moment couldn’t have been more storybook. Shane Lowry, embraced by roaring Irish crowds, delivered a dominant six-shot victory that turned Royal Portrush into a sea of celebration. His third-round 63 and emotional walk up the 72nd fairway remain some of the most iconic scenes in recent Open history.
Now in 2025, Portrush once again steps into the spotlight—ready to test the world’s best and showcase the beauty, history, and passion of Northern Irish golf to a global audience.
Tournament Information:
Social Media:
Course Information:
Course Architect:
To read more about the renovation, you can click the following link.
Comparable Courses:
Royal Liverpool – 2023 Open Championship
Why it compares:
Royal Liverpool and Royal Portrush share a similar links DNA—firm fairways, penal bunkering, and wind-exposed conditions that demand precise ball striking. Both venues emphasize discipline over distance, rewarding players who stay patient and avoid mistakes.
Common traits:
- Coastal links layout
- Demands strong course management
- Accuracy over power
- Deep pot bunkers and thick rough
- Wind-influenced shot selection
2023 Open Championship Results:
- Champion: Brian Harman (-13)
Royal Birkdale (England) – 2017 Open Championship
Why it compares:
Birkdale is set within dramatic dunes that shape its fairways and sightlines, much like Portrush. It offers a stern but fair challenge, with firm, fast conditions and a design that puts a premium on hitting fairways and navigating tricky green complexes.
Common traits:
- Natural dunes frame the course
- Demands accuracy off the tee
- Strategic green complexes
- Emphasis on approach precision
2017 Open Championship Results:
- Champion: Jordan Spieth (-12)
Muirfield (Scotland) – 2013 Open Championship
Why it compares:
Muirfield is a cerebral test where precision, patience, and positional play are key—traits that align closely with Portrush’s layout. Its famous routing with two loops in opposite directions creates ever-changing wind conditions, similar to what players face along the Antrim coast.
Common traits:
- Firm and fast turf
- Shot-shaping required
- Little margin for error
- Strategic, fair design with deep Open roots
2013 Open Championship Results:
- Champion: Phil Mickelson (-3)
Royal St. George’s (England) – 2021 Open Championship
Why it compares:
With its rolling terrain, unpredictable bounces, and rugged features, Royal St. George’s presents a level of volatility that resembles the challenge at Portrush. Both reward creativity but can punish even slight misses due to their natural defenses and penal rough.
Common traits:
- Coastal exposure and swirling winds
- Unpredictable fairway contours
- Deep, penal bunkers
- Demands all-around control and adaptability
2021 Open Championship Results:
- Champion: Collin Morikawa (-15)
Carnoustie (Scotland) – 2018 Open Championship
Why it compares:
Carnoustie is often labeled the toughest Open venue—and like Portrush, it earns that reputation without gimmicks. It tests every part of a player’s game through tight landing areas, thick rough, and lightning-fast greens.
Common traits:
- Relentless championship challenge
- Demands elite ball striking
- Narrow corridors and demanding approaches
- Brutal rough and firm, quick surfaces
2018 Open Championship Results:
- Champion: Francesco Molinari (-8)
Comparable Location (Northern Ireland):
Designer Link (Harry Colt (1888)):
- Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside Course) – Harry Colt and Charles Alison (1929) – RSM Classic
- Hamilton Golf and Country Club – Harry S. Colt (1916) – 2024 RBC Canadian Open
Designer Link (Martin Ebert):
- Royal Lytham & St. Annes – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2012 Open Championship
- Royal Troon – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2024 Open Championship
- Turnberry – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2009 Open Championship
- Royal St. George’s – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2011 & 2021 Open Championship
- Carnoustie – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2018 Open Championship
- Royal Liverpool – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2006, 2016 & 2023 Open Championship
Comparable Yardage (7,381 Yards):
Comparable Greens (Fescue .157”):
Comparable Average Green Size (5,400 sq. ft.):
TV Information (all times ET):
Weather:
Course/ Tournament History:
History of The Open Championship
The Open Championship, often referred to as The Open or the British Open, is the oldest golf tournament in the world. It was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, with just eight players competing over three rounds in a single day. Willie Park Sr. won that inaugural event, and the early years of The Open were dominated by Scottish golfers, especially Young Tom Morris, who famously won four consecutive titles from 1868 to 1872. Originally hosted exclusively at Prestwick, the tournament began rotating among other prestigious Scottish courses like St Andrews and Musselburgh by the 1870s.
As golf’s popularity grew, The Open expanded its footprint across the United Kingdom. By the early 20th century, the rotation included iconic English courses such as Royal St George’s, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Lytham & St Annes. The tournament began attracting top players from around the world, with American dominance emerging in the interwar years—most notably through legends like Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. The post-war era further globalized The Open, with champions from South Africa, Australia, and Europe joining the elite list of Claret Jug winners.
The modern Open Championship remains one of golf’s four major championships and is administered by The R&A. Known for its challenging links-style courses and unpredictable weather, The Open tests every aspect of a golfer’s skill. Venues rotate among a select group of historic courses, including St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal Troon, and Royal Portrush—the latter of which marked a triumphant return to Northern Ireland in 2019 after nearly 70 years.
The Open has witnessed some of golf’s most dramatic moments—from Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus’s Duel in the Sun at Turnberry in 1977 to Tiger Woods’s dominance at St Andrews in 2000. As of 2025, the tournament has been held 153 times and continues to be revered as the pinnacle of golf tradition, excellence, and history.
History of the Claret Jug
The Claret Jug, officially known as the Golf Champion Trophy, is one of the most iconic and coveted trophies in all of sports. It is awarded annually to the winner of The Open Championship, the oldest golf tournament in the world. The original prize for winning The Open, beginning in 1860, was the Challenge Belt—made of red Moroccan leather and awarded to the champion to hold for one year. After Young Tom Morris won the Belt outright by claiming the title three consecutive times from 1868 to 1870, the event was canceled in 1871 due to the lack of a replacement trophy.
In 1872, it was agreed that a new trophy would be created, with Prestwick, St Andrews, and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Musselburgh) each contributing £10 toward its cost. The new prize, the Claret Jug, was inspired by traditional vessels used for serving wine and spirits. Although the trophy was not ready in time for the 1872 Open, which Young Tom Morris also won, his name was the first engraved on it retroactively. The actual presentation of the Claret Jug began with the 1873 champion, Tom Kidd.
Today, the original Claret Jug is housed permanently in the clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The winner of each Open Championship receives a replica of the trophy to keep for a year, after which it must be returned ahead of the next tournament. The player is then given a smaller replica to keep permanently. Over the years, the Claret Jug has come to symbolize the highest level of achievement in golf, its legacy shaped by the legends who have hoisted it—from Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. It remains a timeless symbol of golf’s deep tradition and international prestige.
History of Royal Portrush Golf Club
Royal Portrush Golf Club, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is one of the most storied and revered venues in golf. Established in 1888 as The County Club, it was created during a time when the local railway brought visitors from cities across Ireland and beyond to the seaside village of Portrush, drawn by the invigorating Atlantic air and rugged coastline.
Just four years later, in 1892, it became the Royal County Club with His Royal Highness The Duke of York as its patron—a rare and prestigious designation that usually took decades to earn. In 1895, the club received its current name, Royal Portrush Golf Club, bestowed by King Edward VII, firmly cementing its place among the elite institutions in the British Isles permitted to carry the ‘Royal’ title.
The club is home to two courses: the Valley Links and the iconic Dunluce Links, named after the nearby medieval Dunluce Castle, which overlooks the sea from the cliffs. The Dunluce Links, redesigned by legendary architect Harry Colt, is consistently ranked among the finest links courses in the world. Known for its rolling terrain, deep bunkers, coastal winds, and spectacular views, it offers both a visual and competitive masterpiece.
In 1951, Royal Portrush made history by becoming the first course outside mainland Great Britain to host The Open Championship, where Max Faulkner claimed the Claret Jug. Following decades away from the Open rota, the club underwent substantial upgrades—including the construction of two entirely new holes—to strengthen the finishing stretch and meet modern major championship standards.
That transformation set the stage for a triumphant return in 2019, when The Open came back to Portrush in front of a passionate local crowd. Shane Lowry captivated fans with a dominant six-stroke victory, delivering one of the most memorable performances in recent Open history and reigniting Northern Ireland’s place in the global golf spotlight.
Now set to host The Open once again in 2025, Royal Portrush stands as a symbol of golf’s enduring legacy—blending history, architecture, and emotion in a way few venues can match. From its royal roots to its championship pedigree, it remains a crown jewel of the game.
Royal Portrush Golf Club: A Modern Clubhouse Steeped in Legacy
Though the clubhouse at Royal Portrush Golf Club may not boast centuries of age—having been officially opened in May 1999 by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Prince Andrew—it more than makes up for its youth with a deep sense of tradition and legacy. The club, which was renamed Royal Portrush Golf Club in 1895 with the Prince of Wales as patron, has long been a cornerstone of golf in Northern Ireland.
The current clubhouse stands on the site of the former Holyrood Hotel, purchased by the club in 1946 and later transformed through a major redevelopment project completed in 1997 at a cost of £1.5 million. While the structure is modern, its interior tells the rich and storied history of the club.
As visitors step through the main entrance, they’re greeted by an atmosphere steeped in reverence. The first trophy cabinet on the right proudly displays the scorecard from Rory McIlroy’s record-breaking 61, shot in the 2005 North of Ireland Championship—a defining moment in both McIlroy’s rise and the club’s lore. Throughout the building, photographs, trophies, and memorabilia celebrate Royal Portrush’s place in the game, preserving stories of triumphs and legends tied to its name.
Notable tributes include a portrait of Harry Colt, the renowned architect behind the championship Dunluce Links, as well as displays honoring Fred Daly and Darren Clarke, two local heroes and Open champions who brought major glory back to Northern Ireland. A particularly captivating photograph features King George VI, his father, and golfer Sandy Herd, taken during a visit that once caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, linking Royal Portrush to both golfing and royal history.
At the heart of the clubhouse, above the central stairwell, the honours boards stand as a living record—etched with the names of every major championship hosted by the club and their respective winners.
This is more than just a clubhouse. It’s a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a symbol of Royal Portrush Golf Club’s enduring connection to the game of golf.
Previous Tournament Venues:
| Number of Times Hosted | Years Hosted | Course | Location: |
| 10 | 2024, 2016, 2004, 1997, 1989, 1982, 1973, 1962, 1950, 1923 | Royal Troon Golf Club | Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
| 13 | 2023, 2014, 2006, 1967, 1956, 1947, 1936, 1930, 1924, 1913, 1907, 1902, 1897 | Royal Liverpool Golf Club | Hoylake, Wirral, England |
| 30 | 2022, 2015, 2010, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1984, 1978, 1970, 1964, 1960, 1957, 1955, 1946, 1939, 1933, 1927, 1921, 1910, 1905, 1900, 1895, 1891, 1888, 1885, 1882, 1879, 1876, 1873 | Old Course at St Andrews | St Andrews, Fife, Scotland |
| 15 | 2021, 2011, 2003, 1993, 1985, 1981, 1949, 1938, 1934, 1928, 1922, 1911, 1904, 1899, 1894 | Royal St George’s Golf Club | Sandwich, Kent, England |
| 2 | 2019, 1951 | Royal Portrush Golf Club | Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| 8 | 2018, 2007, 1999, 1975, 1968, 1953, 1937, 1931 | Carnoustie Golf Links | Carnoustie, Scotland |
| 10 | 2017, 2008, 1998, 1991, 1983, 1976, 1971, 1965, 1961, 1954 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club | Southport, England |
| 16 | 2013, 2002, 1992, 1987, 1980, 1972, 1966, 1959, 1948, 1935, 1929, 1912, 1906, 1901, 1896, 1892 | Muirfield | Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland |
| 11 | 2012, 2001, 1996, 1988, 1979, 1974, 1969, 1963, 1958, 1952, 1926 | Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club | Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England |
| 4 | 2009, 1994, 1986, 1977 | Turnberry | Turnberry, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
| 1 | 1932 | Prince’s Golf Club | Sandwich, Kent, England |
| 24 | 1925, 1914, 1908, 1903, 1898, 1893, 1890, 1887, 1884, 1881, 1878, 1875, 1872, 1870, 1869, 1868, 1867, 1866, 1865, 1864, 1863, 1862, 1861, 1860 | Prestwick Golf Club | Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
| 2 | 1920, 1909 | Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club | Deal, England |
| 6 | 1889, 1886, 1883, 1880, 1877, 1874 | Musselburgh Links | Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland |
Previous Tournament Names:
Tournament Records:
- 72-Hole Record:
- 264, Henrik Stenson (2016 at Royal Troon)
- 18-Hole Record:
- 62, Branden Grace (3rd round, 2017 at Royal Birkdale)
Course Records:
Course Guide/ Scorecard:
Perched on the rugged northern coast of Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush Golf Club’s Dunluce Links is a breathtaking and brutal examination of links golf at its highest level. Originally designed by Harry Colt in 1929 and reimagined by Martin Ebert ahead of the 2019 Open Championship, the course is carved into a landscape of towering dunes, windswept valleys, and panoramic views of the North Atlantic. It is as visually arresting as it is strategically unforgiving—a raw, elemental test shaped more by nature than by hand.
The layout sprawls across a rolling expanse of seaside linksland, where elevation changes and ever-present coastal winds make distance a moving target and club selection a constant puzzle. The course is a par 71, stretching over 7,300 yards from the championship tees, and offers little in the way of reprieve. Fairways ripple and twist unpredictably, punishing anything less than precise ball striking, while thick native rough and gorse await errant shots with little sympathy.
At the heart of Portrush’s menace lies its green complexes—subtle, firm, and often perched in natural hollows or atop exposed plateaus. The smallest miscalculation with approach shots can send balls careening into run-offs or pot bunkers, many of which are deep, penal, and strategically placed to punish bold or careless play. The course’s famous par-three 16th, aptly named “Calamity Corner,” demands a long carry over a yawning chasm to a green perched on a cliff’s edge—miss left, and your ball tumbles into oblivion; bail out right, and you’re left with a delicate recovery.
Every hole at Royal Portrush presents its own challenge, yet the course builds in crescendo. The reconfigured 7th and 8th holes—added in place of the former 17th and 18th—have seamlessly integrated into the routing, enhancing both the competitive balance and visual rhythm. The final stretch is both heroic and humbling. The 18th, “Babington’s,” is a narrow, uphill par four that funnels between bunkers and grandstands—a stage where champions are crowned and mistakes amplified.
Royal Portrush is one of only two Open Championship venues outside of mainland Britain, and its return to The Open rota in 2019 was nothing short of triumphant. The course’s unique combination of historical significance, natural grandeur, and relentless strategic rigor makes it one of the finest championship venues in the world.
In its essence, Royal Portrush is not merely a golf course—it is a confrontation with the elements, a walk through history, and a crucible for the game’s bravest. Those who survive its gauntlet emerge not only tested, but transformed.
Royal Portrush’s quartet of par threes presents a formidable examination of precision and control. Ranging from 176 to a daunting 236 yards, three of the four stretch between the 175–200-yard mark, demanding long irons into narrow, well-defended targets. During the 2019 Open Championship, each par three played over par with one exception. No. 3, the shortest of the set, yielded a scoring average of 2.974. It was the only brief moment of relative respite in an otherwise unforgiving set of one-shot holes.
Hole 3 – Islay | Par 3 | 176 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 2.974 (Difficulty Rank – 17)
The 3rd hole takes its name from the Scottish island of Islay, which is visible from the elevated tee on a clear day. Although this par-3 has just one bunker, getting up and down can prove tricky for those who miss the green, with a number of steep slopes surrounding the putting surface. For that reason, many players will opt to aim for the centre of the green, which slopes from right to left, regardless of pin position.
Hole 6 – Harry Colt’s | Par 3 | 193 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.085 (Difficulty Rank – 10)
Front and back pin positions can both prove challenging at the picturesque par-3 6th, where the opening shot is struck from a clifftop tee overlooking the beach. A false front ensures any under-hit shots will roll off the green, while the putting surface narrows at the back and is guarded by deep swales to the left and right. Although the hole has no bunkers, it is certainly capable of tripping up the world’s best if they are not on their game.
Hole 13 – Feather Bed | Par 3 | 199 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.011 (Difficulty Rank – 12)
The site of an opening-round ace for Emiliano Grillo on The Open’s last visit to Royal Portrush, the 13th played almost exactly to its par in 2019, with an average score of 3.011 across the Championship. Club selection can prove tricky, particularly on a breezy day, on a hole that plays downhill to an exposed green sloping from front to back. Five bunkers surround the putting surface to capture errant tee shots.
Hole 16 – Calamity Corner | Par 3 | 236 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.247 (Difficulty Rank – 3)
Royal Portrush’s signature 16th is named ‘Calamity Corner’ for good reason. It is quite simply one of the toughest holes you are likely to encounter. Expect to see plenty of players missing the green long and left, given anything short or right can tumble 40-50ft below the green into thick rough. Even if you do find the putting surface from well over 200 yards away, birdies will be hard to come by on an elevated green that is exposed to the elements. This iconic par-3 yielded just 24 birdies across four rounds in The 148th Open, the fewest of any hole.
Portrush head pro McNeill said: “As the name suggests, it’s a very challenging hole from the Championship tee – 236 yards over a very deep chasm to not a huge target when you’re all the way back there. I think every competitor would quite happily take a three in each round. It’s a hole where if you get it wrong you can easily run up a double-bogey or worse, particularly if the player pushes it out to the right and doesn’t make the carry across. The ball has a tendency to bounce and make its way right down to the base of that chasm and then you’re at the mercy of what lie you get down there and you’re trying to play a shot up a very steep bank to a blind target. It has the potential to be a real card-wrecker – most players will kind of aim to the left centre of the green and just try and play up that left-hand side, where you do get a little bit of assistance from the mounding.”
Royal Portrush Golf Club presents a formidable collection of twelve par fours, each sculpted to test a player’s full command of the game. The majority of these holes, six in total, fall within the demanding 400-to-450-yard range. The shortest of the group, the 5th, measures a mere 372 yards, offering a tempting risk-reward opportunity late in the round. In contrast, the 4th stands as the longest par four on the course at a stern 502 yards, requiring a pair of well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation. During the 2019 Open Championship, the eleventh hole emerged as the most difficult, playing to an average of 4.352 strokes, while the 10th proved the most forgiving, yielding a scoring average of 3.983.
Hole 4 – Fred Daly’s | Par 4 | 502 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.201 (Difficulty Rank – 5)
Named after the Champion Golfer of 1947, who hails from Portrush, the 4th is one of the stiffest tests on the course, playing as stroke index one for the members, and has been lengthened since 2019. Accuracy from the tee is essential, with out-of-bounds to the right and two bunkers cutting into the fairway from the left. Things do not get much easier with the approach. A number of sand hills surround the green, including one huge mound that can block the view of a back-left pin. Any player would gladly take four fours here in Open week.
“The new Championship tee is really going to bring the two fairway bunkers into play from the tee shot,” said McNeill. “The hole has been lengthened considerably and I think it is going to present a slightly different proposition to what it did in 2019.”
Hole 5 – White Rocks | Par 4 | 372 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 3.882 (Difficulty Rank – 16)
A classic risk-and-reward hole. This short par-4 can be driven by the longer hitters and it yielded four eagles and 111 birdies in 2019. However, with a host of dangers including out-of-bounds immediately behind the green, there were also 13 double bogeys or worse through the week as the hole played only marginally under par. Expect a similarly wide range of scoring at the 5th in The 153rd Open.
Hole 9 – Tavern | Par 4 | 432 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.172 (Difficulty Rank – 7)
Another challenging par-4 bending gently to the left rounds off the front nine. There are once again bunkers on the right side of a fairway that falls away towards thick rough on the left. Although the hole typically plays into the wind, many players are likely to opt for fairway woods or irons off the tee as they prioritize finding the short grass. There are run-offs to the right and front-left of the green, with the first of those likely to be a particularly popular spot.
Hole 11 – P.G. Stevenson’s | Par 4 | 475 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.352 (Difficulty Rank – 1)
The 11th is a par-5 for Portrush’s members, but plays as a par-4 in The Open and was the toughest hole on the course in 2019, with more than four times as many bogeys or worse than birdies. The tee shot is arguably the most intimidating on the course, with sand hills and thick rough to either side, although the fairway does open up as it swings right, rewarding those who successfully cut the corner at 260 yards. There is another false front on the elevated green, with any balls that come up short set to trickle back into a huge valley.
Hole 14 – Causeway | Par 4 | 466 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.349 (Difficulty Rank – 2)
The 11th may have been the toughest hole in The 148th Open, but the 14th – lengthened considerably ahead of the Championship – was very close behind, playing more than a third of a stroke over par on average. Bunkers on either side represent a threat from the tee, with the fairway cambering towards the trap on the left and narrowing the further you go. Players then face a challenging approach to a ‘hog’s back’ green that falls away dramatically to the left, front and back. A deep bunker to the left sits well below the level of the putting surface and must be avoided.
“It’s one of the great holes here at Royal Portrush and probably one of the great second shots in golf,” said the club’s head professional Gary McNeill.
Hole 17 – Purgatory | Par 4 | 409 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.072 (Difficulty Rank – 11)
Another classic risk-reward hole, which could easily produce a late twist if the battle for The 153rd Open goes down to the wire. The green is not visible from the tee, but can potentially come within reach – particularly if the wind is helping – due to the fairway sloping downhill dramatically from around the 300-yard mark. There are deep bunkers at the front-left and front-right of the green to dissuade players from taking the aggressive approach, while the landing area narrows significantly for those pulling driver. Expect many to utilise an iron off the tee and rely on their skills with a wedge or short-iron.
Hole 18 – Babington’s | Par 4 | 474 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.229 (Difficulty Rank – 4)
Royal Portrush’s final test was the site for an extraordinary recovery shot from Max Faulkner on his way to victory in 1951, when the hole played as the 16th. Faulkner found himself up against the out-of-bounds to the left of the fairway and famously sliced the ball under and around a barbed-wire fence and on to the green. The out-of-bounds remains a significant threat more than 70 years on, while thick rough and a pair of bunkers lie in wait for anyone bailing out to the right from the elevated tee. The biggest challenges on the approach are a deep bunker to the front-right, tall mounds of rough wrapping around the green and a steep drop-off to the left.
Royal Portrush Golf Club boasts two par fives, the seventh and twelfth holes, with one extending over 600 yards. In the 2019 Open Championship, both of these holes had a scoring average under par.
Hole 7 – Curran Point | Par 5 | 607 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.871 (Difficulty Rank – 15)
The 7th yielded the most eagles (11) of Portrush’s par-5s in 2019, but nevertheless played as the toughest of the three long holes across the week. One of two new holes added to the Dunluce Links ahead of The 148th Open, Curran Point begins with a drive from an elevated tee into the valley, with a cavernous bunker lurking to the right of the fairway. The second shot plays uphill and the fairway narrows significantly as you approach the green, with sloping banks of thick rough on either side presenting danger to those aiming to get home in two. Two accurate shots can set up eagle and birdie chances, but there is punishment waiting for those who are off-target, so another wide spread of scores can be anticipated.
Hole 12 – Dhu Varren | Par 5 | 532 Yards | 2019 Stroke Average: 4.664 (Difficulty Rank – 13)
The toughest hole from The 148th Open is immediately followed by the easiest, with the long and straight 12th offering players a much-needed birdie chance ahead of a demanding closing stretch. However, there is still potential peril here, starting with a trio of bunkers down the right side of a fairway that slopes in that direction. As well as yet another false front, there is a hidden stream to the right of the green. Nevertheless, this par-5 represents comfortably the best opportunity to improve your score on the back nine.
| Hole | Name | Par | 2025 Yardage | 2019 Yardage | Difference |
| No. 1 | Hughie’s | 4 | 420 | 421 | -1 |
| No. 2 | Giant’s Grave | 5 | 575 | 574 | +1 |
| No. 3 | Islay | 3 | 176 | 177 | -1 |
| No. 4 | Fred Daly’s | 4 | 502 | 482 | +20 |
| No. 5 | White Rocks | 4 | 372 | 374 | -2 |
| No. 6 | Harry Colt’s | 3 | 193 | 194 | -1 |
| No. 7 | Curran Point | 5 | 607 | 592 | +15 |
| No. 8 | Dunluce | 4 | 434 | 434 | – |
| No. 9 | Tavern | 4 | 432 | 432 | – |
| No. 10 | Himalayas | 4 | 450 | 447 | +3 |
| No. 11 | P.G. Stevenson’s | 4 | 475 | 474 | +1 |
| No. 12 | Dhu Varren | 5 | 532 | 532 | – |
| No. 13 | Feather Bed | 3 | 199 | 194 | +5 |
| No. 14 | Causeway | 4 | 466 | 473 | -7 |
| No. 15 | Skerries | 4 | 429 | 426 | +3 |
| No. 16 | Calamity Corner | 3 | 236 | 236 | – |
| No. 17 | Purgatory | 4 | 409 | 408 | +1 |
| No. 18 | Babington’s | 4 | 474 | 474 | – |
| TOTAL | 71 | 7,381 | 7,344 | +37 |
Featured/ Signature Hole(s): No. 5 ‘White Rocks’ & No. 16 ‘Calamity Corner’
Key Statistics:
The 2025 Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club, a spectacular and demanding links venue that tests every aspect of a player’s game. Carved through towering dunes on Northern Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast, Portrush challenges the field with firm fairways, unpredictable winds, punishing bunkers, and greens that are more likely to reject than receive. It’s a venue that rewards discipline, precision, and short game creativity—and punishes hesitation or error.
Below is a statistical comparison between Royal Portrush and PGA TOUR averages, revealing just how exacting this test is:
| Statistics | PGA Tour Average | Royal Portrush Golf Club |
| Driving Distance (Yards) | 283.83 | – |
| Driving Accuracy | 62% | 56% |
| GIR Percentage | 66% | 56% |
| Avg GIR Prox. to Hole (Feet) | 29.17 | – |
| Scrambling Percentage | 58% | 52% |
| Avg 3 Putts / Round | 0.55 | 0.47 |
These numbers tell a clear story: fairways and greens are harder to find, and scrambling is less successful than on typical TOUR tracks. Yet interestingly, three-putts occur less frequently at Portrush—possibly due to smaller or less contoured greens compared to many modern American layouts.
In short, players will need to control their ball in the wind, recover skillfully from trouble, and stay mentally sharp over four difficult rounds. Those who navigate the course with strategy and precision—rather than pure power—are the most likely to contend.
The radar plot for Royal Portrush Golf Club highlights a clear preference for players who excel in driving distance and approach play. Compared to the average PGA TOUR course, Royal Portrush places a greater premium on length off the tee, making driving distance one of the most important attributes this week. The ability to carry bunkers, shorten demanding par 4s, and set up easier approaches is a major advantage, especially on a course shaped by natural dunes and firm, running fairways.
Approach play also rates highly, as precision into Portrush’s perched and contoured greens is essential. Simply hitting the green is not enough—players must be able to control trajectory, spin, and direction to land in the correct quadrants and avoid tricky run-offs. While driving accuracy holds some importance, it takes a backseat to distance. Missing the fairway isn’t overly penal if players have the length and skill to recover.
Around the green and putting show average importance, indicating that while a solid short game is needed—particularly to handle firm conditions and shaved surrounds—it’s not the primary differentiator. Putting is similarly balanced: the greens are quick and wind-exposed, so steady performance is important, but it’s not a stat that will separate the field like it might at other venues.
Overall, success at Royal Portrush will come down to elite tee-to-green ball striking, with an emphasis on length and iron precision. Players who can consistently gain strokes off the tee and on approach will be best positioned to handle the unique demands of this championship test.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Good Drives Gained
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Around the Green
Strokes Gained: Putting
Greens in Regulation Gained
Par 3 Scoring: 175-200 Yards
Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards
Par 5 Scoring
Scrambling Gained
Bogey Avoidance Gained
Proximity: 150-200 Yards
Strokes Gained: Tee to Green – High Winds
Strokes Gained: Total – Scoring Relative to Par: Difficult
Major History
Open Championship History
Course & Comparable Courses History
The Field:
The 2025 Open Championship will feature a field of 156 players, with forty-nine of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking set to compete. The only absence among the elite is Billy Horschel, who will miss the Open Championship as he recovers from recent surgery on his right hip.
Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
- The Open Champions aged 60 or under on 20 July 2025 (for all Champions up until 2024)
- The Open Champions aged 55 or under on 20 July 2025 (for all Champions from 2024)
- The Open Champions for 2014-2024
- First 10 and anyone tying for 10th place in The 152nd Open at Royal Troon in 2024
- The first 50 players on the OWGR for Week 21, 2025
- First 25 in the Final Race to Dubai Rankings for 2024
- The BMW PGA Championship winners for 2022-2024
- First 5 DP World Tour members and any DP World Tour members tying for 5th place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 20 of the Race to Dubai Rankings on completion of the 2025 BMW International
- The Masters Tournament Champions for 2020-2025
- The PGA Champions for 2019-2025
- The US Open Champions for 2020-2025
- Top 30 players from the Final 2024 FedEx Cup Points List
- The PLAYERS Champions for 2023-2025
- First 5 PGA TOUR members and any PGA TOUR members tying for 5th place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 20 of the PGA TOUR FedExCup Points List for 2025 on completion of the 2025 Rocket Classic.
- The first player and anyone tying for that place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 5 of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Season Standings on completion of LIV Golf Dallas.
- The 2024 Olympic Men’s Golf Gold Medallist
- The 118th VISA Open de Argentina 2025 Champion
- The first 5 players on the 2025 Federations Ranking List as of closing date
- The Japan Open Champion for 2024
- The Senior Open Champion for 2024
- The US Amateur Champion for 2024
- The Mark H McCormack Medal (Men’s WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING) winner for 2024
- The Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion 2024
- The Latin America Amateur Champion 2025
- The Africa Amateur Champion 2025
- The Amateur Champion for 2025
- The European Amateur Champion for 2025
- The Open Amateur Series winner 2025
- Medical Exemption
- The Open Qualifying Series
Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
- Xander Schauffele (2024), Brian Harman (2023), Cameron Smith (2022), Collin Morikawa (2021), Shane Lowry (2019), Francesco Molinari (2018), Jordan Spieth (2017), Henrik Stenson (2016), Zach Johnson (2015), Rory McIlroy (2014), Phil Mickelson (2013),
Ernie Els (2012, 2002), Darren Clarke (2011), Louis Oosthuizen (2010), Stewart Cink (2009), Pádraig Harrington (2008. 2007), Justin Leonard (1997)
Previous Winners in the Field (Course):
- Shane Lowry (2019)
Debutants in the Field:
- Adrien Saddier, Andrew Novak, Brian Campbell, Bryan Newman, Cameron Adam, Connor Graham, Curtis Luck, Daniel Young, Dylan Naidoo, Ethan Fang, Filip Jakubcik, Frazer Jones, George Bloor, Harry Hall, J.J. Spaun, Jesper Sandborg, John Axelsen, Justin Hastings, Justin Suh, Kevin Yu, Kristoffer Reitan, Martin Couvra, Matt McCarty, Max Greyserman, Mikiya Akutsu, Nathan Kimsey, Nicolas Echavarria, Niklas Norgaard Moller, OJ Farrell, Oliver Lindell, Richard Teder, Riki Kawamoto, Ryan Peake, Ryggs Johnston, Sampson Zheng, Seb Cave, Sebastian Soderberg, Taylor Pendrith
Amateurs in the Field:
A strong contingent of elite amateurs will tee it up at Royal Portrush, each earning their spot through impressive accomplishments on the global stage. Here’s a look at the amateurs competing in the 2025 Open Championship:
- Cameron Adam (Scotland): A recent Northwestern graduate, Adam earned his spot through The Open Amateur Series and is the reigning Scottish Amateur champion.
- Sebastian Cave (USA): A junior at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Cave led his team with a 70.67 scoring average this season.
- Ethan Fang (USA): The standout junior from Oklahoma State claimed both the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship and the prestigious Amateur Championship, punching his ticket to Portrush.
- Connor Graham (Scotland): A sophomore at Texas Tech, Graham was named to the GCAA All-Freshman Team and won the stroke play portion of The Amateur Championship for the second straight year.
- Justin Hastings (Cayman Islands): The Latin America Amateur Champion made his Masters debut earlier this year (MC) and followed it with an impressive T55 finish at the U.S. Open.
- Filip Jakubcik (Czech Republic): A senior at the University of Arizona, Jakubcik secured his spot by winning the European Amateur Championship in Sweden.
- Frazer Jones (USA): A junior at Charlotte, Jones advanced through 36-hole Final Qualifying to book his place at Royal Portrush.
- Bryan Newman (South Africa): The winner of the 2024 Africa Amateur Championship, Newman will represent his native South Africa in his Open debut.
- Richard Teder (Estonia): Teder made history by becoming the first Estonian to qualify for The Open, earning his place with a fifth-place finish at The Amateur Championship.
Open Qualifiers in the Field:
Through grueling 36-hole Final Qualifying across four venues—Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports, and West Lancashire—a diverse group of professionals and amateurs secured their spots at Royal Portrush. Here’s a look at the qualifiers who earned their way into the field:
Burnham & Berrow Qualifiers
- Justin Walters (South Africa): Competing on the Challenge Tour, Walters returns to The Open for the first time since 2014 (MC).
- Jacob Skov Olesen (Denmark): A historic qualifier, Olesen became the first Dane to win The Amateur Championship in 2024. This will be his Open debut.
- Harry Hall (England): PGA Tour member and 2024 ISCO Championship winner, Hall will make his first career start in The Open.
- Frazer Jones (Amateur): A standout junior at Charlotte, Jones punched his ticket through Final Qualifying.
- OJ Farrell (England): Competing on the Clutch Pro Tour, Farrell will also be making his Open debut.
Dundonald Links Qualifiers
- Lee Westwood (England): The LIV Golf veteran and former world No. 1 qualifies for his 21st Open Championship appearance.
- Daniel Young (Scotland): Currently on the Challenge Tour and in excellent form (3rd and T2 in his last two starts). Young starred at Lynn University in Florida, where he became the program’s first three-time All-American.
- Angel Hidalgo (Spain): The 2024 Open de España champion returns after missing the cut at last year’s Open.
- Jesper Sandborg (Sweden): A rising name on the Nordic Golf League, Sandborg has won twice this season.
- Connor Graham (Amateur): The talented Scot adds another championship start after a strong amateur season.
Royal Cinque Ports Qualifiers
- Dean Burmester (South Africa): LIV Tour member making his fourth Open appearance.
- Nathan Kimsey (England): DP World Tour pro back from injury, set for his first Open start.
- Curtis Knipes (England): Playing on the Challenge Tour, Knipes returns after missing the cut at the 2019 Open.
- Sebastian Cave (Amateur): The UNC-Charlotte standout earns his Open debut.
- John Axelsen (Denmark): Challenge Tour player and former top-ranked amateur, making his first career Open Championship appearance.
West Lancashire Qualifiers
- Lucas Herbert (Australia): LIV Golf member and multiple-time worldwide winner, returns for his fifth Open start.
- Sampson Zheng (China): Asian Tour player and former Cal standout, making his Open debut.
- George Bloor (England): Challenge Tour pro earning his first start in The Open Championship.
- Oliver Lindell (Finland): DP World Tour regular also set for his Open debut.
- Richard Teder (Amateur): The first Estonian to ever qualify for The Open, Teder makes history at Portrush.
Players with Ties to Northern Ireland in the Field:
Birthplace:
- Rory McIlroy — Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland
- Darren Clarke — Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
- Tom McKibbin — Belfast, Northern Ireland
Injury Report:
Caddie Changes:
Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
- Chris Gotterup IN (OQS)
- Nicolai Højgaard IN (OQS)
- Matti Schmid IN (OQS)
- Ernie Els WD, Si Woo Kim IN
- Paul Waring WD, Davis Riley IN
Tee Times & Groupings:
The Odds:
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA TOUR/ LIV TOUR and their last five results at the Open Championship.
| Golfer | Odds | Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR/ LIV TOUR (Recent -> Past) | Last 5 Finishes at the Open Championship (Recent -> Past) | Finish at the 2019 Open Championship hosted at Royal Portrush Golf Club |
| Scottie Scheffler | +450 | T8-T6-T7-WON-T4 | T7-T23-T21-T8 | – |
| Rory McIlroy | +700 | T2-T6-T19-MC-T47 | MC-T6-3-T46-MC | MC |
| Jon Rahm | +1200 | 2-T11-T7-T8-T8 | T7-T2-T34-T3-T11 | T11 |
| Bryson DeChambeau | +2000 | T30-T9-MC-T4-T2 | MC-T60-T8-T33-MC | MC |
| Xander Schauffele | +2500 | T8-T61-T12-T25-T28 | WON-T17-T15-T26-T41 | T41 |
| Collin Morikawa | +2800 | MC-T8-T42-T23-T20 | T16-MC-MC-WON | – |
| Tommy Fleetwood | +2800 | T34-T2-MC-T16-T4-T41 | MC-T10-T4-T33-2 | 2 |
| Ludvig Aberg | +2800 | T8-T36-MC-T13-T16 | MC | – |
| Tyrrell Hatton | +3000 | T23-T5-T4-T15-T60 | MC-T20-T11-MC-T6 | T6 |
| Shane Lowry | +3000 | T45-MC-T13-T23-MC | 6-MC-T21-T12-WON | WON |
| Viktor Hovland | +3000 | T11-WD-3-T25-T28 | MC-T13-T4-T12 | – |
| Robert MacIntyre | +3500 | T65-T17-2-T36-T20 | T50-T71-T34-T8-T6 | T6 |
| Justin Thomas | +5000 | T22-T9-MC-T31-MC | T31-MC-T53-T40-T11 | T11 |
| Sepp Straka | +5000 | 7-T45-MC-3-MC | T22-T2-MC | – |
| Joaquin Niemann | +5000 | T23-T23-MC-WON-T8 | T58-MC-T53-T59-MC | MC |
| Jordan Spieth | +5500 | T23-T7-T36-MC-T34 | T25-T23-T8-2-T20 | T20 |
| Brooks Koepka | +5500 | T32-T12-T33-MC-T17 | T43-T64-MC-T6-T4 | T4 |
| Patrick Cantlay | +5500 | T32-T12-MC-T12-MC | T25-T33-T8-MC-T41 | T41 |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | +5500 | T4-T8-T17-T38-T31 | T50-T41-T21-T26-T20 | T20 |
| Russell Henley | +6500 | T2-T10-T5-MC-T46 | 5-MC-T62-MC-MC | – |
| Corey Conners | +7000 | T47-WD-T27-T25-T19 | T25-T52-T28-T15-MC | MC |
| Justin Rose | +7500 | 6-MC-MC-T44-MC | T2-MC-T46-T20-T2 | T20 |
| Cameron Young | +8000 | T46-T52-T4-T4-T25 | T31-T8-2 | – |
| Adam Scott | +8000 | T17-T30-T12-T31-T19 | T10-T33-T15-T46-MC | MC |
| Sam Burns | +8000 | T47-T17-T7-2-T12 | T31-MC-T42-T76 | – |
| Patrick Reed | +8000 | T10-MC-WON-T23-T23 | T33-T47-MC-10-T28 | 10 |
| Chris Gotterup | +9000 | WON-T21-T26-T23-MC | – | – |
| Hideki Matsuyama | +9000 | T13-T30-T42-38-T36 | T66-T13-T68-MC-MC | MC |
| Ben Griffin | +9000 | MC-T13-T14-T10-2 | MC-MC | – |
| Jason Day | +9000 | MC-T4-T23-MC-T49 | T13-T2-MC-MC-T17 | MC |
| Ryan Fox | +9000 | T65-T17-T19-WON-T20 | T25-T52-MC-T67-T16 | T16 |
| Aaron Rai | +10000 | T47-T17-T33-MC-MC | T75-MC-T19 | – |
| Keegan Bradley | +10000 | T41-WON-T33-T7-T8 | MC-MC-MC-MC-MC | MC |
| J.J. Spaun | +10000 | MC-T14-WON-MC-T6 | – | – |
Trends:
World Ranking:
Six of the last 10 winners were sat inside the top 10 in the OWGR.
Open Championship Form:
Eight of the last 10 Open winners had already posted a top 10 in the event.
Recent Form:
Eight of the last 10 Open champions had a win earlier in the season.
Recent Majors Form:
Eight of the last 10 had posted a top 20 in one of their previous two majors
Major History
All of the last 10 Open winners had already posted a top two in a major during their careers.
Current Form:
Nine of the last 10 Open champions had posted at least one top 10 in one of their three previous starts.
All credit goes to Dave Tindall. Be sure to check out his 10-year trends article here.
Tournament Props:
Playoff:
Will There Be a Playoff at the Open Championship? (Yes +360 / No -500)
The last Open Championship to end in a playoff came in 2015 at St. Andrews, where Zach Johnson outlasted Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen in a four-hole aggregate to claim his second major title.
Royal Portrush Golf Club has hosted the Open twice—2019 and 1951—and neither edition required a playoff to determine the champion.
Hole-in-One:
Will There Be a Hole-in-One at the Open Championship? (Yes -120/ No -110)
| Year | Player | Venue | Hole | Yardage | Round | Final Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Si Woo Kim | Royal Troon | 17th | 238 | 3 | T43 |
| 2023 | Travis Smyth | Royal Liverpool | 17th | 136 | 2 | MC |
| 2021 | Jonathan Thomson | Royal St George’s | 16th | 162 | 2 | T53 |
| 2019 | Emiliano Grillo | Royal Portrush | 13th | 194 | 1 | MC |
| 2016 | Louis Oosthuizen | Royal Troon | 14th | 178 | 1 | MC |
| 2015 | Daniel Brooks | St Andrews | 11th | 174 | 2 | MC |
| 2012 | Anirban Lahiri | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 9th | 165 | 3 | T31 |
| 2011 | Tom Watson | Royal St George’s | 6th | 178 | 2 | T22 |
| 2011 | Dustin Johnson | Royal St George’s | 16th | 163 | 1 | T2 |
| 2009 | Thomas Levet | Turnberry | 15th | 206 | 4 | T38 |
| 2006 | John Senden | Royal Liverpool | 13th | 198 | 3 | T35 |
| 2006 | Richard Sterne | Royal Liverpool | 15th | 161 | 2 | MC |
| 2004 | Ernie Els | Royal Troon | 8th | 123 | 1 | 2 |
| 2001 | Frank Lickliter II | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 5th | 212 | 2 | T37 |
| 1997 | Dennis Edlund | Royal Troon | 8th | 126 | 2 | MC |
| 1997 | Daniel Olsson (a) | Royal Troon | 5th | 210 | 2 | MC |
| 1997 | Pierre Fulke | Royal Troon | 14th | 179 | 1 | MC |
| 1996 | Paul McGinley | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 9th | 164 | 2 | T14 |
| 1994 | Barry Lane | Turnberry | 4th | 167 | 2 | MC |
| 1992 | Paul McGinley | Muirfield | 7th | 185 | 1 | MC |
| 1991 | Brian Marchbank | Royal Birkdale | 12th | 184 | 1 | T92 |
| 1990 | Tim Simpson | St Andrews | 11th | 172 | 4 | T12 |
| 1988 | Lanny Wadkins | Royal Lytham & St Annes | 1st | 206 | 3 | T34 |
| 1987 | Billy Andrade | Muirfield | 7th | 185 | 4 | T54 |
| 1986 | Andrew Oldcorn | Turnberry | 4th | 167 | 2 | MC |
| 1984 | Ben Crenshaw | St Andrews | 8th | 178 | 4 | T22 |
| 1983 | Rodger Davis | Royal Birkdale | 12th | 184 | 1 | T26 |
| 1981 | Sam Torrance | Royal St George’s | 16th | 165 | 4 | 5 |
| 1981 | Roger Chapman (a) | Royal St George’s | 16th | 165 | 2 | MC |
| 1981 | Gordon J Brand | Royal St George’s | 16th | 165 | 2 | T19 |
At the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, Si Woo Kim recorded a hole-in-one on the 17th hole during the third round.
In 2023 at Royal Liverpool, Travis Smyth made an ace on the 17th hole in the second round.
The 2022 Open at St. Andrews saw no holes-in-one.
In 2021 at Royal St. George’s, Jonathan Thomson made a hole-in-one on the 16th hole during the second round.
Royal Portrush last hosted the Open in 2019, when Emiliano Grillo made an ace on the 13th hole in the opening round.
In 1951, the only other time Portrush hosted, no holes-in-one were recorded.
Wire to Wire Winner:
Will There Be a Wire-to-Wire Winner at the Open Championship? (Yes +1200)
Only seven players have gone wire-to-wire—leading outright after every round—in Open Championship history:
- Tiger Woods (2005)
- Tom Weiskopf (1973)
- Henry Cotton (1934)
- Gene Sarazen (1932)
- Bobby Jones (1927)
- Ted Ray (1912)
- Tom Morris Jr. (1869)
None of these wire-to-wire wins occurred at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Recent Horses for Courses (The Open Championship):
| The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | |||
| Royal Troon | Royal Liverpool | St. Andrews | Royal St George’s | Royal Portrush | |||
| Golfer | Events Played | SG: Total (Event) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2019 |
| Cameron Young | 3 | +31.43 | T31 | T8 | T2 | – | – |
| Scottie Scheffler | 4 | +32.25 | T7 | T23 | T21 | T8 | – |
| Jordan Spieth | 11 | +41.33 | T25 | T23 | T8 | 2 | T20 |
| Jon Rahm | 8 | +45.33 | T7 | T2 | T34 | T3 | T11 |
| Xander Schauffele | 7 | +42.33 | WON | T17 | T15 | T26 | T41 |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 10 | +36.74 | MC | T10 | T4 | T33 | 2 |
| Shane Lowry | 12 | +46.32 | 6 | MC | T21 | T12 | WON |
| Brian Harman | +35.03 | T60 | WON | T6 | T19 | MC | |
| Viktor Hovland | 4 | +24.66 | MC | T13 | T4 | T12 | – |
| Dustin Johnson | 15 | +17.32 | T31 | MC | T6 | T8 | T51 |
| Mackenzie Hughes | 3 | +14.53 | T16 | – | MC | T6 | – |
| Matthew Jordan | 3 | +18.42 | T10 | T10 | MC | – | – |
Recent Donkeys for Courses (The Open Championship):
| The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | |||
| Royal Troon | Royal Liverpool | St. Andrews | Royal St George’s | Royal Portrush | |||
| Golfer | Events Played | SG: Total (Event) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2019 |
| Keegan Bradley | 11 | -2.05 | MC | MC | MC | MC | MC |
| Takumi Kanaya | 4 | -6.75 | – | MC | MC | MC | MC |
| Marc Leishman | 11 | -11.45 | – | – | MC | MC | MC |
| Shaun Norris | 5 | -8.45 | – | – | MC | MC | MC |
| Li Haotong | 5 | -8.45 | – | – | MC | MC | MC |
| Nick Taylor | 2 | -2.61 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| Benjamin Griffin | 2 | -3.61 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| Marco Penge | 2 | -7.88 | – | MC | MC | – | – |
| Shugo Imahira | 3 | -14.8 | – | – | MC | – | MC |
| Denny McCarthy | 2 | -9.61 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| Darren Clarke | 21 | -22.47 | T75 | MC | MC | MC | MC |
| Phil Mickelson | 21 | -25.47 | T60 | MC | MC | MC | MC |
| Rikuya Hoshino | 4 | -12.82 | MC | T60 | MC | MC | – |
Recent Horses for Courses (Royal Portrush Golf Club):
| The Open Championship | |
| Royal Portrush Golf Club | |
| Golfer | 2019 |
| Shane Lowry | WON |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 2 |
| Tony Finau | 3 |
| Lee Westwood | T4 |
| Brooks Koepka | T4 |
| Robert MacIntyre | T6 |
| Rickie Fowler | T6 |
| Tyrrell Hatton | T6 |
| Patrick Reed | 10 |
| Jon Rahm | T11 |
| Francesco Molinari | T11 |
| Justin Thomas | T11 |
| Ryan Fox | 16 |
| Jordan Spieth | T20 |
| Henrik Stenson | T20 |
| Cameron Smith | T20 |
| Louis Oosthuizen | T20 |
| Justin Rose | T20 |
| Matthew Fitzpatrick | T20 |
| Stewart Cink | T20 |
| Lucas Glover | T20 |
Recent Donkeys for Courses (Royal Portrush Golf Club):
| The Open Championship | |
| Royal Portrush Golf Club | |
| Golfer | 2019 |
| Rory McIlroy | MC |
| Brian Harman | MC |
| Corey Conners | MC |
| Adam Scott | MC |
| Jason Day | MC |
| Li Haotong | MC |
| Marc Leishman | MC |
| Hideki Matsuyama | MC |
| Christiaan Bezuidenhout | MC |
| Zach Johnson | MC |
| Phil Mickelson | MC |
| Bryson DeChambeau | MC |
| Sungjae Im | MC |
| Joaquin Niemann | MC |
| Padraig Harrington | MC |
| Keegan Bradley | MC |
| Shaun Norris | MC |
| Darren Clarke | MC |
| Takumi Kanaya | MC |
| Shugo Imahira | MC |
| Curtis Knipes | MC |
Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):
- 2024: Xander Schauffele (-9) – Royal Troon
- Price: 14-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 10th | 1st | 1st | 11th | 15th |
- 2023: Brian Harman (-13) – Royal Liverpool
- Price: 125-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 34th | 17th | 24th | 22nd | 1st |
- 2022: Cameron Smith (-20) – St. Andrews
- Price: 28-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 15th | 17th | 30th | 27th | 1st |
- 2021: Collin Morikawa (-15) – Royal St. George’s Golf Course
- Price: 40-1
- 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Price: N/A
- 2019: Shane Lowry (-15) – Royal Portrush Golf Club
- Price: 70-1
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):
- 2024: Xander Schauffele
- T15 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
- T13 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
- T7 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- T8 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
- WON – PGA Championship (MAJ)
- 2023: Brian Harman
- T12 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
- T9 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
- T2 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
- T43 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- MC – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
- 2022: Cameron Smith
- T10 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
- MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- T48 – RBC Candian Open (PGA)
- T13 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
- T13 – PGA Championship (MAJ)
- 2021: Collin Morikawa
- T71 – abrdn Scottish Open (DPWT)
- T4 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- 2 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
- T14 – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
- T8 – PGA Championship (MAJ)
- 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 2019: Shane Lowry
- T34 – Dubai Duty Free Irish Open (DPWT)
- T28 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- T2 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
- T8 – PGA Championship (PGA)
- MC – Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA)
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Majors that year):
2024: Xander Schauffele
| U.S. Open | PGA Championship | Masters Tournament |
| Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2) | Valhalla Golf Club | Augusta National Golf Club |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 |
| T7 | WON | 8 |
2023: Brian Harman
| U.S. Open | PGA Championship | Masters Tournament |
| The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course) | Oak Hill Country Club | Augusta National Golf Club |
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 |
| T43 | MC | MC |
2022: Cameron Smith
| U.S. Open | PGA Championship | Masters Tournament |
| The Country Club | Southern Hills Country Club | Augusta National Golf Club |
| 2022 | 2022 | 2022 |
| MC | T13 | T3 |
2021: Collin Morikawa
| U.S. Open | PGA Championship | Masters Tournament |
| Torrey Pines (South) | Ocean Course at Kiawah Island | Augusta National Golf Club |
| 2021 | 2021 | 2021 |
| T4 | T8 | T18 |
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019: Shane Lowry
| U.S. Open | PGA Championship | Masters Tournament |
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Bethpage Black | Augusta National Golf Club |
| 2019 | 2019 | 2019 |
| T28 | T8 | MC |
Previous Winners Finishes at Event:
2024: Xander Schauffele
| The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship |
| Royal Liverpool | St Andrews | Royal St George’s | Royal Portrush | Carnoustie | Royal Birkdale |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| T17 | T15 | T26 | T41 | T2 | T20 |
2023: Brian Harman
| The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship |
| St Andrews | Royal St George’s | Royal Portrush | Carnoustie | Royal Birkdale | St Andrews | Royal Liverpool |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2015 | 2014 |
| T6 | T19 | MC | MC | MC | MC | T26 |
2022: Cameron Smith
| The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship |
| Royal St George’s | Royal Portrush | Carnoustie | Royal Birkdale |
| 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| T33 | T20 | 78 | MC |
2021: Collin Morikawa
- Tournament Debut
2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2019: Shane Lowry
| The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship | The Open Championship |
| Carnoustie | Royal Birkdale | Royal Troon | St Andrews | Royal Liverpool | Muirfield | Royal Lytham & St Annes |
| 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2010 |
| MC | MC | MC | MC | T9 | T32 | T37 |
Picks:
Outrights
Jon Rahm (+1200) – DraftKings
Jon Rahm rolls into The Open on the heels of a runner-up finish at LIV Andalucía, where he finished just one stroke behind Taylor Gooch—who, notably, isn’t in the field this week. While Rahm has yet to notch a win on the LIV TOUR this season, he’s been remarkably consistent, posting top-10 finishes in every LIV event except one (T11 at LIV Dallas).
Rahm’s form in Major Championships this year has also been rock-solid: T14 at The Masters, T8 at the PGA Championship, and T7 at the U.S. Open. He’s no stranger to closing the deal at this level either, with two Major titles to his name—the 2023 Masters and 2021 U.S. Open.
Rahm has quietly built an impressive Open Championship résumé, finishing T11 or better in four of his last five starts. That run includes a T11 finish the last time The Open was held at Royal Portrush in 2019, along with a T2 at Royal Liverpool in 2023 and a T3 at Royal St. George’s in 2021—both courses with similarities to this week’s setup. His links pedigree is well established, highlighted by wins at the Irish Open in 2017 (Portstewart) and 2019 (Lahinch).
Rahm checks every box this week: strong recent form, elite Major track record, proven links pedigree, and past success in this tournament. He’ll be one of the most popular picks on the board—and for good reason.
Ludvig Åberg (+2800) – DraftKings
Ludvig Åberg enters The Open off a strong showing at the Genesis Scottish Open, where he finished T8 behind a pair of sparkling 65s in Round 2. His performance highlighted elite ball-striking and adaptability to firm, wind-affected conditions—an encouraging sign ahead of this week’s links test.
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster season for Åberg. He captured a signature win at The Genesis Invitational but has also shown some inconsistency, notably missing the cut at both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Still, his T7 finish at The Masters earlier this year—and runner-up finish there in 2024—demonstrate his ability to rise on golf’s biggest stages.
Åberg’s Open Championship résumé is limited. He missed the cut in his lone appearance last year at Royal Troon, shooting 75-76. However, his victory at the 2023 Omega European Masters (while not a true links course) showcased his ability to navigate firm turf and elevation changes—traits that can translate to success on linksland.
While Åberg may not match the traditional mold of an Open Championship winner, his raw talent, versatility, and high ceiling make him an intriguing play at this price. If he brings the same putting stroke he flashed in Scotland, he has the tools to be right in the mix come Sunday.
Viktor Hovland (+3000) – DraftKings
Viktor Hovland heads into The Open with momentum after a T11 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open, closing with a pair of 67s. It was a reassuring performance following his withdrawal from the Travelers Championship due to a neck injury—proof that he’s healthy and rounding into form at the right time.
Hovland has quietly put together a solid run in the majors this season: T21 at The Masters, T28 at the PGA Championship, and a strong solo 3rd at the U.S. Open. He’s no stranger to contending on golf’s biggest stages, with multiple close calls in recent years, including top-4 finishes at all three of the non-Masters majors.
His Open Championship track record is equally impressive. He’s finished T13 or better in three of his last four appearances, including a T13 last year at Royal Liverpool and a T12 at Royal St. George’s in 2021—two venues that share strategic and visual similarities with Royal Portrush.
With his health no longer in doubt, a win already secured this season at the Valspar, and his major championship form trending in the right direction, Hovland offers strong value at this price.
Robert MacIntyre (+3500) – DraftKings
Robert MacIntyre enters The Open off a disappointing T65 at the Genesis Scottish Open, a tournament he won in dramatic fashion last year. Still, his recent form leading into that was trending in the right direction, with four top-20 finishes in his previous five starts.
That said, MacIntyre isn’t the type of player whose wins are preceded by steady, linear progression. In fact, his biggest victories often come out of nowhere. He missed the cut the week prior to winning both the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and last year’s Genesis Scottish Open. The same pattern held true in 2022 when he won the Italian Open on the DP World Tour after a T50 finish the week before.
MacIntyre struggled early in the majors this year, missing the cut at the Masters and finishing T47 at the PGA Championship. However, he flipped the script at the U.S. Open, where he finished solo 2nd—his best career result in a major.
This will be his sixth Open Championship start. While he’s missed the cut in his last three appearances, he flashed serious upside with a T6 finish at Royal Portrush in 2019—this week’s host course—and a T8 at Royal St. George’s in 2021, which shares several traits with Portrush as a links-style test.
A proud Scot, MacIntyre has also shown strong form on true links tracks, including a T5 at last year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down. He may be volatile, but he’s shown he can contend when conditions align—and there’s reason to believe they might this week.
Sepp Straka (+5000) – DraftKings
Sepp Straka has quietly put together an excellent 2025 season, becoming one of just a few players to capture multiple victories. He started the year with a win at The American Express and added another title at the Truist Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club. Since then, results have been mixed, but he showed strong form with a T7 finish last week at the Genesis Scottish Open.
While he’s struggled in the majors this season—missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open—The Open Championship has been the most favorable major for Straka. After missing the cut in his debut in 2022, he’s posted back-to-back solid performances: a T2 finish at Royal Liverpool in 2023 (a comp course) and a T22 at Royal Troon in 2024.
Straka’s elite approach play continues to be a strength, but when his putter heats up, he becomes a legitimate threat. That was the case in Scotland last week, where he ranked 3rd in SG: Putting—on a similar surface to what he’ll face at Royal Portrush. If the flat stick stays hot, Straka has serious upside this week.
Top 20 (Inc. Ties)
Xander Schauffele (+110) – DraftKings
After dealing with an early-season injury, Xander Schauffele has steadily rounded back into form. He’s been on a strong run since the Valspar Championship in May and most recently posted a T8 at the Genesis Scottish Open, signaling that his game is peaking at the right time.
Schauffele has been a steady presence in the majors this year, finishing T8 at the Masters, T28 at the PGA Championship, and T12 at the U.S. Open—continuing his reputation as one of the most reliable major performers on TOUR.
This will be Schauffele’s eighth Open Championship appearance, and he returns as the defending champion after winning at Royal Troon in 2024. He also recorded solid finishes at comparable links venues: T17 at Royal Liverpool in 2023, T15 at St. Andrews in 2022, T20 at Royal Birkdale in 2017, and a runner-up at Carnoustie in 2018. He also finished T41 in the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush—the last time this course hosted the championship—and won the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club.
With elite ball-striking, proven links success, and his form trending upward, Schauffele is a strong candidate for a top 20 finish this week.
Tyrrell Hatton (+115) – DraftKings
Tyrrell Hatton enters the week in steady form, coming off a T5 at LIV Dallas and a T23 at LIV Andalucia, where he struggled with the putter—losing over a stroke on the greens. Despite that, his ball-striking and tee-to-green play remain sharp.
In the majors this season, Hatton has been solid. He finished T14 at the Masters, T60 at the PGA Championship, and impressed with a T4 at the U.S. Open—his best major result since 2019.
This marks Hatton’s 13th Open Championship appearance. He missed the cut last year at Royal Troon but posted encouraging results in the two editions prior—T20 at Royal Liverpool in 2023 (a comp course) and T11 at St. Andrews in 2022. Notably, he also finished T6 at Royal Portrush in 2019, the last time The Open was held at this week’s venue. Given his experience, recent form, and proven ability on links-style courses, Hatton looks like a strong candidate to secure a top 20 finish.
Robert MacIntyre (+150) – BetMGM
Russell Henley (+175) – DraftKings
Russell Henley has put together a strong 2025 season, highlighted by a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and three top 10 finishes heading into this week’s Open Championship.
His major record this year started slowly, with missed cuts at both the Masters and PGA Championship. However, he bounced back impressively at the U.S. Open, where he finished T10—his best major showing of the season.
This will be Henley’s 11th career Open Championship start. Historically, it hasn’t been his best major, with five missed cuts in his first ten appearances. But he showed significant improvement last year at Royal Troon, finishing 5th—his best result in this championship. With solid form and a recent breakthrough on links-style terrain, Henley is well-positioned to contend for a top 20 finish.
Top 30 (Inc. Ties)
Matt Fitzpatrick (+120) – DraftKings
Adam Scott (+120) – DraftKings
Ryan Fox (+140) – DraftKings
Top 40 (Inc. Ties)
Tom Kim (+135) – DraftKings
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
