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MLB Friday Freebee – Sports Betting – Mets vs Giants

July 25, 2025

Mets vs Giants -129 – O/U 7.5

⚾ Pitching Matchup

Mets: Clay Holmes (8–5, 3.48 ERA)
- Solid season, but his xFIP of 4.07 suggests some regression may be coming.
Giants: Logan Webb (9–7, 3.08 ERA)
- Ranked as a top-10 starter by projection models, with a stellar 2.58 FIP indicating he’s been unlucky.

🔥 Recent Form

Mets: 6–4 in their last 10, riding a 4-game win streak after sweeping the Angels.
Giants: 3–7 in their last 10, but just took two from Atlanta to regain momentum.

💪 Key Players to Watch

Mets:
- Juan Soto: 24 HR, ranks 10th in MLB.
- Pete Alonso: 80 RBI, batting .272, 5th in MLB RBI.
- Francisco Lindor: Snapped a brutal 0-for-31 slump with multi-hit games.
Giants:
- Rafael Devers: 19 HR, 73 RBI, heating up with a .364 average over his last 5 games.
- Jung Hoo Lee & Heliot Ramos: Providing steady contact and extra-base potential.

Weather:

A Brisk 60 degrees in the Bay area with the wind blowing out to center field at 9.8 MPH.

Prediction:

Today’s game is all about the starting pitching. Clay Holmes takes the mound for the Mets boasting a 3.48 ERA yet a 4.2 FIP. Logan Webb takes the helm for the Giants with a 3.08 ERA and a 2.58 FIP. As of late, Holmes has been faltering. He has allowed 5 runs two out of his last three appearances. He had a great April/May and has since faltered some. From a hitting standpoint, I have to give it to the Mets with all of the power in their lineup, but this is also a long travel spot for this team. Webb is the Giants ace, and if he can go 6 or 7 innings, I think the west cost G-men hold on to the lead. One also has to recognize all of the bullpen injuries that the Mets have as of late. Take San Fran.

Giants -129 – 1 star

Podcast 711 – 47 – 25 – With Matt Youmans– 2025 NFL Future Bets – UFC Abu Dhabi – Sports Betting

Kiev O'Neil

July 24, 2025

The OddsBreakers Sports Betting Podcast — The OddsBreakers All Rights Reserved

We have a GREAT show for you today! Matt Youmans @MattYoumans247 from @VSINLive is back to break down some NFL! First, Kiev talks about contests as well as some stuff we have going on at the website. Next, Matt comes on and the guys get right into fast food. When will Matt’s rankings come out? What’s the future of them? Then, the guys get into some football talking divisional futures and season win totals. After that, the guys talk some exotic bets for the awards markets. Then, Matt and Kiev talk contests. How many is Matt getting into this season? Finally, Kiev talks some UFC Abu Dhabi to end the show! Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!

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2025 3M Open Preview & Picks

Patrick Gates

July 22, 2025

The 2025 3M Open promises another exciting week of golf at TPC Twin Cities. But first, let’s recap the highlights and key takeaways from last week’s tournaments before we jump into this week’s action.

Open Championship Recap

Champion Golfer of the Year. pic.twitter.com/oXijPBYOli
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2025

Scottie Scheffler’s dominance continues as he captured the Open Championship, earning his fourth Major title. Scheffler has now won the Masters twice (2022, 2024) and claimed the PGA Championship earlier this season at Quail Hollow with a commanding five-shot victory. With only the U.S. Open missing from his résumé, Scheffler is one title away from completing the career grand slam, a feat achieved by just six players in history: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen.

Scheffler’s first opportunity to complete the slam will come next June at Shinnecock Hills, when the U.S. Open returns to the iconic Long Island venue for the first time since 2018, when Brooks Koepka emerged victorious. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Scheffler is the early favorite at +320 to win the 2026 U.S. Open and make history. In a poetic twist, the final round of next year’s U.S. Open falls on June 21, Scheffler’s 30th birthday.

This also marks the second consecutive season in which a player has won two majors. Last year, Xander Schauffele pulled off the PGA Championship and Open Championship double, a feat now matched by Scheffler in 2025.

Barracuda Championship Recap

BREAKTHROUGH🏆Ryan Gerard wins his first PGA TOUR title in his first year holding a PGA TOUR card. Let’s gooooo! pic.twitter.com/ZBpWWBGnPm
— Barracuda Championship (@CudaChamp) July 21, 2025

Ryan Gerard captured his first PGA TOUR title at the Barracuda Championship, held as an Additional Event opposite The Open Championship. With the win, Gerard secured a spot in next year’s PGA Championship but not an invitation to The Masters.

In this preview, I’ll highlight the key storylines, analyze the course, and share my picks to help you gain an edge at this year’s 3M Open. Let’s dive into the main storylines driving the action this week…

Pre-Tournament Storylines:

Crunch Time for the FedEx Cup Playoffs

The 3M Open marks the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR regular season, and the pressure is on. Only the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will qualify for the first leg of the playoffs—the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind. For players hovering around the bubble, this week represents one of the final opportunities to secure their spot, making for a high-stakes atmosphere filled with urgency, strategy, and emotional swings.

To view the latest FedEx Cup standings, click the link.

3M Open Secured Through 2030

In March, the PGA TOUR and 3M officially announced a five-year extension, ensuring that the 3M Open will remain a staple of the summer schedule through at least 2030.

📢 Exciting news! 📢 The 3M Open is here to stay through 2030! 🎉🏌️‍♂️

More than golf, it’s a force for good—bringing people together through world-class play, 3M innovation, and our communities.We’re proud to showcase 3M Science while making an impact. See you at @tpctwincities! pic.twitter.com/3wpacUYXGy
— 3M Open (@3MOpen) March 3, 2025

The Road to Bethpage: Who’s In for the 2025 Ryder Cup?

With the 2025 Ryder Cup just around the corner, anticipation is heating up as fans and analysts alike start zeroing in on the players poised to represent the U.S. and Europe this fall. The event heads to Bethpage Black in New York from September 26–28, and the qualification race is far from settled.

One of the most intriguing storylines? U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley might be pulling double duty. Not since Arnold Palmer in 1963 has a Ryder Cup captain also teed it up as a player — but Bradley currently sits ninth in the U.S. standings, giving him a real shot to qualify on points.

How Qualification Works:
U.S. Team: The top six players in Ryder Cup points after the BMW Championship (Aug. 17) will earn automatic spots. Bradley will then select six captain’s picks to round out the team.
After The Open Championship, the top six in U.S. points are:
Scottie Scheffler (already clinched), Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English.

Scheffler leads the way & Harris English moves into the Top-6 of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team Rankings following @TheOpen 🏆

Full Rankings ➡️ https://t.co/2jXIaRlJOH #GoUSA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/MNqVfRVQGr
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) July 21, 2025

European Team: Their top six will be locked in following the Betfred British Masters (Aug. 24), with Captain Luke Donald also adding six captain’s picks of his own.
As of now, the leading contenders are:
Rory McIlroy (clinched), Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, and Sepp Straka.

Team Europe rankings refreshed after The Open.

Bethpage is calling 👀 pic.twitter.com/7pnT0SfcPe
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) July 21, 2025

With just a few weeks left until the Ryder Cup rosters are locked in, the pressure is on. A couple strong finishes or big-time performances could shake up the standings and give the captains some tough decisions to make.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the United States is currently favored to win the Ryder Cup at -145, with Europe listed as the underdog at +115.

Tournament Information:

Dates: July 24th – July 27th, 2025
Location: Blaine, Minnesota, United States
Course: TPC Twin Cities
Course Type: Parkland
Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 11x 4’s / 3x 5’s)
Length: 7,431 Yards
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Greens: Bentgrass .100”
Fairways: Bentgrass .300”
Rough: Bluegrass / fescue 4”
Bunkers: 72
Water Hazard(s): 27 (In-Play on 15 Holes)
Average Green Size: 6,500 sq. ft.
Stimpmeter: 12.0 ft.
Purse/ Winner: $8,400,000 /$1,512,000
FedEx Cup Points: 500
Field: 156 Players
Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
Playoff Format: Sudden-death with holes 18, 18, 17, followed by repeated play of hole 18
Course Scoring Average:
- 2024: 70.39 (-0.61), Difficulty Rank 16 of 51
- 2023: 69.71 (-1.29), Difficulty Rank 36 of 50
- 2022: 71.44 (+0.44) Difficulty Rank 14 of 50
Historic Cut Line:
2024: -2
2023: -4
2022: +1

Social Media:

Course X: @tpctwincities
Tournament X: @3MOpen

Course Information:

Course Architect:

Course Architect: Arnold Palmer (2000)
Renovations: Steve Wenzloff (2018)

Comparable Courses:

PGA National (The Champion) – Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches – RESULTS
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) – THE PLAYERS Championship – RESULTS
TPC Louisiana – Zurich Classic of New Orleans – RESULTS
Detroit Golf Club (North Course) – Rocket Classic – RESULTS
TPC River Highlands – Travelers Championship – RESULTS
TPC Deere Run – John Deere Classic – RESULTS

Comparable Location (Blaine, Minnesota):

TPC Deere Run – Silvis, Illinois – John Deere Classic

Designer Link (Arnold Palmer (2000)):

Bay Hill Club and Lodge – Arnold Palmer Renovation (2009) – Arnold Palmer Invitational

Designer Link (Steve Wenzloff (2018)):

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) – Pete Dye and Steve Wenzloff Renovation – THE PLAYERS Championship

Comparable Yardage (7,431 Yards):

TPC Louisiana – 7,425 Yards – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Vidanta World (Vidanta Vallarta Course) – 7,436 Yards – Mexico Open
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) – 7,438 Yards – Valero Texas Open
The Country Club of Jackson – 7,461 Yards – Sanderson Farms Championship
Memorial Park – 7,475 Yards – Texas Children’s Houston Open

Comparable Greens (Bentgrass .100”):

Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course) – Bentgrass .100” – Farmers Insurance Open
Augusta National Golf Club – Bentgrass .125” – Masters Tournament
TPC Craig Ranch – Bentgrass .100” – THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
Colonial Country Club – A-4 bentgrass .100” – Charles Schwab Challenge
Muirfield Village Golf Club – Bentgrass .090” – the Memorial Tournament
Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course) – Bentgrass – Kentucky Championship
TPC Deere Run – L-93 bentgrass .100” – John Deere Classic
TPC Summerlin – Dominator bentgrass .125″ – Shriners Children’s Open
Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club – Bentgrass – ZOZO Championship
Colonial Country Club – 007XL bentgrass .100” – Charles Schwab Challenge

Comparable Average Green Size (6,500 sq. ft.):

Grand Reserve Golf Club – 6,500 sq. ft. – Puerto Rico Open
Quail Hollow Club – 6,578 sq. ft. – Wells Fargo Championship/ 2025 PGA Championship

TV Information (all times ET):

Round 1: Thursday, July 24th, 2025
- ESPN+ (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
- Golf Channel – 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Round 2: Friday, July 25th, 2025
- ESPN+ (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
- Golf Channel – 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Round 3: Saturday, July 26th, 2025
- ESPN+ (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- CBS – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Round 4: Sunday, July 27th, 2025
- ESPN+ (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- CBS – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

The 3M Open is one of the PGA TOUR’s newest events, making its debut in 2019 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. Before becoming a full-field TOUR stop, the tournament was known as the 3M Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit, where it enjoyed a long run from 1993 to 2018. Its elevation to the PGA TOUR brought top-tier professional golf back to the Twin Cities for the first time since the 1969 Minnesota Golf Classic, quickly establishing the 3M Open as a late-season fixture where players jockey for FedExCup positioning.

TPC Twin Cities opened in 2000 as a collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Minnesota native Tom Lehman, built specifically to host the 3M Championship. Designed with tournament golf in mind, the course features a mix of scoring opportunities and danger, with water hazards on 15 of 18 holes, generous fairways, and large, undulating greens. In preparation for its PGA TOUR debut, architect Steve Wenzloff led renovations in 2018 to toughen the layout—adding length, shifting bunkers, and reworking greens to challenge the world’s best.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Duration	Course	Location:
2019 – Present	TPC Twin Cities	Blaine, Minnesota

Previous Tournament Names:

Duration	Tournament Name
2019 – Present	3M Open

Tournament Records:

72-Hole Record:
- 260 – Lee Hodges (2023)

18-Hole Record:
- 62 – Scott Piercy (first round, 2019), Bryson DeChambeau (second round, 2019), Matthew Wolff (third round, 2019), Lucas Glover (fourth round, 2019), Beau Hossler (fourth round, 2023)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, TPC Twin Cities is a challenging par-71 layout that stretches to 7,431 yards. The course features a balanced mix of four par 3s, eleven par 4s, and three par 5s, requiring a calculated approach. Scoring opportunities are out there, but players must navigate water hazards, tricky greens, and swirling winds to stay in contention for the 3M Open title.

TPC Twin Cities stretches to 7,431 yards, ranking as the 9th longest course on the PGA TOUR this season. While the fairways are relatively wide at an average of 35 yards, among the most generous on TOUR, precision off the tee is still crucial. That’s because water comes into play on 15 holes, the third most of any PGA TOUR stop, adding serious risk to aggressive lines. The greens are also sizable, averaging 6,500 square feet, which places added emphasis on dialed-in approach shots. Bunkers are less of a concern here, with just 72 on the course, the 21st fewest on TOUR.

The four par 3s at TPC Twin Cities range from 177 to 228 yards, putting a premium on precision and smart club selection. In last year’s 3M Open, only holes No. 4 and No. 8 played under par on average, while the others proved to be more penal, especially when the wind picked up.

Hole 17 | Par 3 | 202 Yards | 2024 Stroke Average: 3.03 (Difficulty Rank – 9)

The freshly renovated TOUR tee forces the pros to play over the water on all 4 tournament rounds. Anything short will end up in the water, while any shot that goes long will end up in the bunker or even the grandstands. Hitting the green on the tee shot will give you a good birdie opportunity, as the green is relatively flat and slopes from back to front. The defense of the hole comes from the water and the wind.

TPC Twin Cities offers eleven par 4s, with the majority landing in the 400–450 yard range. Strategic decisions are key, especially on risk-reward holes that tempt players with aggressive lines. The most difficult par 4 in 2024 was the 9th, which averaged +0.415 over par, emphasizing its challenge in both length and layout.

Hole 2 | Par 4 | 468 Yards | 2024 Stroke Average: 4.082 (Difficulty Rank – 5)

This watery hole continues to play more difficult for the pros each year, and annually is the most difficult for the membership. Your first option is to lay back to the widest part of the fairway with a utility or 3-wood, leaving a mid-iron shot into a heavily protected green. Playing more aggressively with your tee shot and taking on the water and fairway bunker will leave you with a scoring club in your hand and a chance to make birdie.

Hole 7 | Par 4 | 381 Yards | 2024 Stroke Average: 4.037 (Difficulty Rank – 8)

Dubbed “Tom’s Thumb” in reference to PGA TOUR player and course consultant Tom Lehman, the green may be reached with a long and accurate tee shot that carries the lake on the left side and avoids the massive bunkers short and right of the green. A conservative tee shot into the fairway will often render an approach of less than 100 yards to the two-tiered green.

All three par 5s—holes 6, 12, and 18—played under par in 2024 and offer the best birdie or eagle opportunities on the course. However, danger lurks on every tee shot, especially at the finisher.

Hole 18 | Par 5 | 596 Yards | 2024 Stroke Average: 4.629 (Difficulty Rank – 16)

This hole has consistently played as one of the toughest par-5s on the PGA TOUR schedule since 2019. The prevailing wind will push your tee ball towards the water on the right. Hitting the fairway allows most pros an attempt to go for the green in two. A three-tiered and very shallow green makes it tough to keep the ball on the putting surface. Adding in a forced carry over the pond makes judging the correct distance even tougher. Plenty of birdies are made here, but more 7s & 8s find scorecards than you would think.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 2, 7, 17, 18

Key Statistics:

As the 3M Open returns to TPC Twin Cities, understanding how the course compares to PGA TOUR averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how TPC Twin Cities stacks up statistically:

Statistics	PGA Tour Average	TPC Twin Cities
Driving Distance (Yards)	283.98	291.18
Driving Accuracy	62%	63%
GIR Percentage	66%	71%
Avg GIR Prox. to Hole (Feet)	29.25	29.08
Scrambling Percentage	57%	55%
Avg 3 Putts / Round	0.55	0.50

According to DataGolf, players who thrive at TPC Twin Cities typically excel in ball striking and precision off the tee. With water hazards in play on nearly every hole and fairways that demand accuracy, success here often comes down to sharp tee-to-green execution and the ability to avoid costly mistakes.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Driving the ball effectively is a huge advantage at TPC Twin Cities. With wide fairways and a premium on distance, players who can consistently gain strokes off the tee, especially bombers who keep it in play, tend to thrive here.
Looking at recent history, two of the last three 3M Open champions ranked 8th or better in strokes gained: off the tee. The exception was Lee Hodges in 2023, who finished 27th in this category but made up for it with exceptional iron play.
- Leaders in SG: Off the Tee (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Cameron Champ
  - Chris Gotterup
  - Michael Thorbjornsen
  - Niklas Norgaard Moller
  - Jesper Svensson
  - Kevin Yu
  - Rico Hoey
  - Kurt Kitayama
  - Jake Knapp
  - Thomas Rosenmueller

Strokes Gained: Approach

Approach play is often the deciding factor between contenders and the rest of the field. At TPC Twin Cities, with its large greens and accessible pin positions, precise iron play is essential for creating numerous birdie opportunities, a key ingredient for scoring success.
Four of the last five winners of the 3M Open ranked inside the top 8 for SG: Approach. The lone exception was Cameron Champ in 2021, who ranked 19th in this category but made up for it with outstanding putting throughout the week.
- Leaders in SG: Approach (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Lee Hodges
  - Kevin Roy
  - Akshay Bhatia
  - Emiliano Grillo
  - Doug Ghim
  - Victor Perez
  - John Pak
  - Luke Clanton
  - Henrik Norlander
  - Chris Kirk

Strokes Gained: Ball Striking

Ball striking is a critical metric that measures a player’s overall ability to hit quality tee shots and approach shots, combining both accuracy and distance. At a course like TPC Twin Cities, where precision and power off the tee and into the greens can make or break a round, excelling in ball striking often separates the contenders from the rest of the field.
Last year, every player who finished inside the top 10 at the 3M Open gained strokes in ball striking. The champion, Jhonattan Vegas, ranked 4th in this category, while Matt Kuchar, who tied for 3rd, led the field in ball striking. Taylor Pendrith, finishing 5th, ranked 8th, and both Kurt Kitayama and Sahith Theegala, who tied for 6th, ranked 11th and 5th respectively. This trend highlights how dominant ball striking is at TPC Twin Cities and its direct impact on leaderboard success.
- Leaders in SG: Ball Striking (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Chris Gotterup
  - Emiliano Grillo
  - Doug Ghim
  - Cameron Champ
  - Lee Hodges
  - Kevin Roy
  - Kurt Kitayama
  - Luke Clanton
  - Thomas Rosenmueller
  - Michael Thorbjornsen

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)

The bentgrass greens at TPC Twin Cities are among the purest surfaces players see all year. Good bentgrass putters tend to maintain their edge here, especially with scoring bunched around 15–20 under par.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked ninth or better in SG: Putting. The only exception was Tony Finau in 2022, who ranked 42nd in this category but compensated with exceptional performance in other areas.
- Leaders in SG: Putting (Bentgrass) (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Sam Burns
  - Vince Whaley
  - Pierceson Coody
  - Brandt Snedeker
  - Ben Silverman
  - Jacob Bridgeman
  - Justin Lower
  - Cristobal Del Solar
  - Kevin Kisner
  - Cameron Champ

Greens in Regulation Gained

With water in play on the majority of holes, finding greens safely and consistently is crucial. GIR Gained reflects both strong iron play and strategic ball control.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked tenth or better in Greens in Regulation Gained. The only exception was Cameron Champ in 2021, who ranked 26th in this category.
- Leaders in GIR Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Chris Gotterup
  - Cameron Champ
  - Patrick Fishburn
  - Victor Perez
  - Doug Ghim
  - Kevin Roy
  - Steven Fisk
  - Sam Burns
  - Lee Hodges
  - Antoine Rozner

Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards

Three of the four par 3s at TPC Twin Cities fall in this demanding range. Long iron play and control into these holes can be a significant scoring separator.
Three of the last four 3M Open champions ranked tenth or better in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards. The only exception was Tony Finau in 2022, who ranked 36th in this category.
- Leaders in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Si Woo Kim
  - William Mouw
  - Kevin Yu
  - Wyndham Clark
  - Antoine Rozner
  - Hayden Springer
  - Matti Schmid
  - Mackenzie Hughes
  - Erik Van Rooyen
  - Michael Thorbjornsen

Par 4 Scoring

Par 4s make up the bulk of the scorecard. With several short to mid-length par 4s, success here often correlates directly with leaderboard position.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked third or better in Par 4 Scoring. The only exception was Jhonattan Vegas in 2024, who ranked 19th in this category.
- Leaders in Par 4 Scoring (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Kevin Roy
  - Sam Burns
  - Maverick McNealy
  - Jake Knapp
  - Chris Gotterup
  - Emiliano Grillo
  - Victor Perez
  - Christiaan Bezuidenhout
  - Mark Hubbard
  - Byeong Hun An

Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards

All three par 5s at TPC Twin Cities fall into this range and are reachable for longer hitters. Capitalizing on these opportunities is essential to staying competitive.
Three of the last five 3M Open champions ranked twentieth or better in Par 5 Scoring. The two exceptions were Tony Finau in 2022 and Cameron Champ in 2021.
- Leaders in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Michael Thorbjornsen
  - Danny Walker
  - Adam Scott
  - Taylor Pendrith
  - Jake Knapp
  - Tony Finau
  - Chris Gotterup
  - Vince Whaley
  - Pierceson Coody
  - Akshay Bhatia

Opportunities Gained

This stat measures how often players are giving themselves realistic birdie chances inside 15 feet. At a birdie-fest like the 3M Open, this stat is a leading indicator of success.
- Leaders in Opportunities Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Keith Mitchell
  - Davis Thompson
  - Thorbjorn Olesen
  - Adam Schenk
  - Lee Hodges
  - Kurt Kitayama
  - Joseph Bramlett
  - Jake Knapp
  - Michael Thorbjornsen
  - Ricky Castillo

Birdies or Better Gained

This is the most direct indicator of scoring upside. With winning scores often in the -17 to -20 range, you need guys who rack up red numbers.
Four of the last five 3M Open champions ranked inside the top four in Birdies or Better Gained for the week. The lone exception was Michael Thompson in 2020, who still finished a strong 7th in the category.
- Leaders in Birdies or Better Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Keith Mitchell
  - Michael Thorbjornsen
  - Chris Gotterup
  - Sami Valimaki
  - Rickie Fowler
  - Kurt Kitayama
  - Matti Schmid
  - Luke Clanton
  - Mark Hubbard
  - Kevin Yu

Proximity: 175-200, 200+ Yards

DataGolf’s approach distribution from last year shows that a large share of second shots at TPC Twin Cities came from 175–200 yards and beyond 200 yards, significantly higher than the PGA TOUR average. That means long-iron proximity will be a major separator this week.
- Leaders in Proximity: 175-200 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Si Woo Kim
  - Matti Schmid
  - Rikuya Hoshino
  - Carson Young
  - Chris Kirk
  - Chez Reavie
  - Karl Vilips
  - Patrick Rodgers
  - Lee Hodges
  - William Mouw
- Leaders in Proximity: 200+ Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Antoine Rozner
  - Will Gordon
  - Brandon Matthews
  - Joseph Bramlett
  - Michael Thorbjornsen
  - Matti Schmid
  - Kevin Yu
  - Adam Schenk
  - Chris Kirk
  - Joel Dahmen

Comparable Courses and Event History

These are your course horses—players who’ve repeatedly performed well at the 3M Open. Whether it’s course fit, comfort with the setup, or success on similar layouts, this group has a proven track record at TPC Twin Cities.
- Leaders in SG: Total – TPC Twin Cities (Last 5 Editions):
  - Tony Finau
  - Cameron Davis
  - Emiliano Grillo
  - Cameron Champ
  - Doug Ghim
  - Jhonattan Vegas
  - Brice Garnett
  - Keith Mitchell
  - Maverick McNealy
  - Aaron Baddeley

The Field:

The 2025 3M Open will showcase a full field of 156 players competing at TPC Twin Cities, drawing a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents. Among the headliners are eight players currently ranked inside the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking. With FedEx Cup Playoff spots on the line and a course that rewards aggressive play, expect a highly competitive week in Blaine, Minnesota.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

Winner – PGA/U.S. Open Championship
Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
Winner – World Golf Championship Event
Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years)
Past Champion of Respective Event
Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
DP World Tour / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category – Reordered
Reorder Category – Cat. 37 thru 44
PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year
No 1 player PGA TOUR University (current year)
Top 10 and Ties from the Previous Event
Career Money Exemption
Major Medical Extension
Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

Jhonattan Vegas (2024), Lee Hodges (2023), Tony Finau (2022), Cameron Champ (2021)

Debutants in the Field:

Adam Scott, Antoine Rozner, Braden Thornberry, Brendan Valdes, Cristobal Del Solar, Danny Walker, David Ford, Gordon Sargent, Isaiah Salinda, Jackson Suber, Jeremy Paul, Jesper Svensson, Karl Vilips, Kevin Velo, Mason Andersen, Matt McCarty, Matthew Riedel, Matthieu Pavon, Michael La Sasso, Niklas Norgaard Moller, Noah Goodwin, Paul Peterson, Philip Knowles, Ricky Castillo, Rikuya Hoshino, Sami Valimaki, Steven Fisk, Takumi Kanaya, Taylor Dickson, Thomas Campbell, Thomas Rosenmueller, Thorbjorn Olesen, Victor Perez, Webb Simpson, Will Chandler, William Mouw

Exemptions:

Chesson Hadley: Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Carson Herron: Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Kevin Kisner: Career Money Exemption
Michael La Sasso: Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Troy Merritt: Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
Ryan Palmer: Career Money Exemption
Chez Reavie: Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
Brandt Snedeker: Career Money Exemption
Preston Stout: Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
Brendan Valdes: Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted

Open Qualifiers:

Stephen Stallings
Josh Radcliff
Michael Feuerstein
Yi Cao

Players with Ties to Minnesota in the Field:

Birthplace:

Frankie Capan III – Stillwater, Minnesota

College:

Erik van Rooyen – University of Minnesota

Caddie Changes:

Tesori and Simpson…reunited. https://t.co/ov2Z4fzUt4
— Ron Klos (@PGASplits101) July 22, 2025

Webb Simpson and longtime caddie Paul Tesori have reunited, nearly two years after parting ways. The duo originally split in 2023, ending a 12-year partnership that included all seven of Simpson’s PGA Tour victories—highlighted by the 2012 U.S. Open and 2018 Players Championship.

After the split, Tesori joined Cameron Young’s bag, but they parted ways in 2024. Tesori then worked briefly with Brendon Todd before teaming up with Tom Kim. That partnership ended just before the 2025 Open Championship last week. Now, it appears Simpson and Tesori are back together once again.

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

Tim Widing WD / Will Gordon IN (own number)
Ryan Gerard WD / Joseph Bramlett IN
Brian Campbell WD / Dylan Wu IN
Thomas Detry WD / Pierceson Coody IN
Haotong Li IN (commit)
Pierceson Coody IN
Chez Reavie IN
Chesson Hadley IN
Carson Herron IN
Preston Stout IN
Rikuya Hoshino WD / Taylor Montgomery IN
Stephan Jaeger WD
Max Herendeen IN
Rikuya Hoshino WD / Taylor Montgomery IN
Stephan Jaeger WD
Max Herendeen IN
Alejandro Tosti WD / Ben Martin IN

Full Field

Tee Times & Groupings:

Groupings and starting times for the first and second rounds of the 3M Open pic.twitter.com/cg7muO7SlH
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) July 22, 2025

The Odds:

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA TOUR and their last five results at the 3M Open.

Golfer	Odds	Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR (Recent -> Past)	Last 5 Finishes at the 3M Open (Recent -> Past)
Sam Burns	+1800	T45-T47-T17-T7-2	T12-T32-T7
Chris Gotterup	+1800	3-WON-T21-T26-T23	T59-T31
Maverick McNealy	+2000	T23-T22-T17-37-T5	T3-T49-T16
Wyndham Clark	+2500	T4-T11-MC-T17-MC	T38-MC-MC-T5
Max Greyserman	+2800	MC-MC-T2-T36-T23	2
Taylor Pendrith	+3000	MC-T13-T25-T38-T27	5-MC

Odds via DraftKings

Current Odds

Tournament Trends:

Top-5 trends for the 3M Open

Look for…

Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Around the Green in last two months
Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Of the Tee in last two months
Played in either of the last two 3M Opens
Ranked top-10 in field for Par-5 Scoring… pic.twitter.com/q3hpkz6Ezr
— Stanley (@Golf_Stats) July 21, 2025

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

Will There Be a Playoff at the 3M Open? (Yes +350 / No -500)

Through six editions of the 3M Open, the tournament has yet to be decided by a playoff.

DraftKings – Playoff Prop

Hole-in-One:

Will There Be a Hole-in-One at the 3M Open? (Yes -120/ No -120)

Here’s a look at every hole-in-one recorded in 3M Open history.

Year	Player	Hole	Yardage	Round	Final Position
2024	Hayden Buckley	No. 17	202	2nd	MC
2022	Scott Piercy	No. 4	148	2nd	T4
2022	Brice Garnett	No. 8	186	3rd	T31
2020	Bo Van Pelt	No. 8	195	1st	65
2019	Tim Herron	No. 8	208	1st	MC

DraftKings – Hole-in-One Prop

Wire to Wire Winner:

Will There Be a Wire-to-Wire Winner at the 3M Open? (Yes +800)

Lee Hodges made history at the 2023 3M Open as the tournament’s only wire-to-wire winner. He held the lead after every round and capped off a dominant week with a final-round 67, finishing at 24-under-par (260). The performance set a new tournament scoring record and his seven-shot victory marked the largest winning margin in 3M Open history.

DraftKings – Wire-to-Wire Winner

Recent Horses for Courses (TPC Twin Cities):

			3M Open	3M Open	3M Open	3M Open	3M Open
			TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities
Golfer	Events Played	SG: Total (Event)	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
Tony Finau	6	+49.64	T12	T7	WON	T28	T3
Cameron Davis	6	+35.39	T19	T10	T16	T28	T12
Cameron Champ	4	+27.78	T12	–	T16	WON	–
Alex Noren	2	+17.78	–	T13	–	–	T3
Matthias Schmid	2	+14.23	T12	T20	–	–	–
Emiliano Grillo	5	+34.90	T24	T10	T2	MC	T3
Doug Ghim	5	+25.01	T24	T27	T16	MC	T18
Jhonattan Vegas	3	+24.53	WON	–	–	T2	MC
Keith Mitchell	5	+19.92	T46	T5	–	5	MC
Lee Hodges	3	+18.30	MC	WON	T16	–	–

Recent Donkeys for Courses (TPC Twin Cities):

			3M Open	3M Open	3M Open	3M Open	3M Open
			TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities
Golfer	Events Played	SG: Total (Event)	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
Will Gordon	4	-25.98	MC	MC	–	MC	MC
Harry Higgs	4	-14.33	–	MC	MC	MC	MC
Ben Martin	4	-11.40	–	MC	MC	MC	MC
Rafael Campos	2	-13.60	MC	–	–	MC	–
Brandon Matthews	2	-12.45	–	MC	MC	–	–
Vincent Whaley	2	-7.95	–	–	–	MC	MC
Kristoffer Ventura	2	-6.95	–	–	–	MC	MC
Austin Cook	6	-13.92	MC	MC	MC	MC	T56
Erik Van Rooyen	4	-9.25	MC	MC	–	T58	MC
Nate Lashley	5	-8.14	MC	T57	MC	MC	–
Joel Dahmen	3	-6.41	MC	MC	–	T67	–
Peter Malnati	6	-2.57	MC	MC	T11	MC	MC

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

2024: Jhonattan Vegas (-17)
- Price: 80-1

SG: Off the Tee	SG: Tee to Green	SG: Approach	SG: Around the Green	SG: Putting
8th	7th	8th	53rd	9th

2023: Lee Hodges (-24)
- Price: 90-1

SG: Off the Tee	SG: Tee to Green	SG: Approach	SG: Around the Green	SG: Putting
27th	1st	1st	27th	4th

2022: Tony Finau (-17)
- Price: 14-1

SG: Off the Tee	SG: Tee to Green	SG: Approach	SG: Around the Green	SG: Putting
3rd	1st	3rd	2nd	42nd

2021: Cameron Champ (-15)
- Price: 150-1

SG: Off the Tee	SG: Tee to Green	SG: Approach	SG: Around the Green	SG: Putting
39th	27th	19th	48th	1st

2020: Michael Thompson (-19)
- Price: 125-1

SG: Off the Tee	SG: Tee to Green	SG: Approach	SG: Around the Green	SG: Putting
51st	17th	4th	53rd	1st

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

2024: Jhonattan Vegas
- T20 – John Deere Classic (PGA)
- T25 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
- T27 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
- MC – THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson (PGA)
- MC – Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA)

2023: Lee Hodges
- MC – The Open Championship (MAJ)
- T12 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
- MC – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
- MC – Travelers Championship (PGA)
- T25 – RBC Candian Open (PGA)

2022: Tony Finau
- T28 – The Open Championship (MAJ)
- T13 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
- MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- 2 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
- T4 – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)

2021: Cameron Champ
- T11 – John Deere Classic (PGA)
- MC – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
- MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
- WD – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
- MC – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)

2020: Michael Thompson
- MC – Workday Charity Open (PGA)
- T64 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
- T46 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
- T8 – RBC Heritage (PGA)
- MC – Korn Ferry Challenge (KFT)

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2024: Jhonattan Vegas

3M Open	3M Open
TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities
2021	2020
T2	MC

2023: Lee Hodges

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities

2022

T16

2022: Tony Finau

3M Open	3M Open	3M Open
TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities	TPC Twin Cities
2021	2020	2019
T28	T3	T23

2021: Cameron Champ

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities

2019

2020: Michael Thompson

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities

2019

Picks:

Outrights

Maverick McNealy (+2000) — DraftKings

While McNealy hasn’t picked up a win this season, he’s quietly putting together one of the best years of his career. He arrives at TPC Twin Cities in great form, with three straight top-25 finishes, including strong performances at The Open and the Memorial.

McNealy has also found success at this event before. In three previous appearances at the 3M Open, he’s recorded two top-20s, including a T3 finish in 2024, where he gained +2.66 strokes total. That week, he stood out around the greens and on the putting surface—two areas that consistently separate contenders at this course.

In 2025, McNealy’s putter has been a major weapon, and his approach play has trended in the right direction over the last few starts. If he continues to pair solid iron play with his reliable driving, he has a real chance to turn last year’s near-miss into a breakthrough victory.

Michael Thorbjornsen (+3500) — DraftKings

Thorbjornsen enters the week ranked 86th in the FedEx Cup standings, making this a key opportunity to secure a spot in the FedEx St. Jude Championship—and he has the game to capitalize on it.

Thorbjornsen is well-suited for TPC Twin Cities, a layout that demands both power and precision to navigate the many water hazards. He’s posted T4 (Rocket Mortgage), T21 (John Deere), and T14 (ISCO Championship) finishes in his last three starts, gaining strokes off the tee in all of them.

Both his putting and iron play have shown signs of improvement, and the timing couldn’t be better. He flashed potential here last year with an opening-round 66 before fading on Friday. This time around, he enters with more experience and much steadier form. If he keeps the ball in play and converts his birdie looks, Thorbjornsen could break through for his first PGA TOUR win.

Kurt Kitayama (+4000) — DraftKings

Kurt Kitayama enters the 3M Open ranked 110th in the FedEx Cup standings, making the next two weeks critical in his push to qualify for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

He’s trending in the right direction, with a T5 at the John Deere Classic followed by a T14 at the Barracuda Championship. Kitayama also has strong course history to lean on—his lone start at TPC Twin Cities resulted in a T6 finish.

The biggest question mark for Kitayama this season has been the putter, which has lacked consistency. But encouragingly, he’s been better with the flat stick in each of his last three starts. Combine that with strong recent ball-striking—he’s gaining strokes both on approach and off the tee—and he has the tools to contend. If the putter cooperates, Kitayama could be in the mix come Sunday.

Keith Mitchell (+5500) — DraftKings

Keith Mitchell currently sits at 70th in the FedEx Cup standings, making the next two weeks vital to securing his spot in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

While his recent form hasn’t been great—largely due to struggles on approach and around the green—Mitchell has continued to gain strokes both off the tee and with the putter. Those strengths could go a long way at TPC Twin Cities, especially given his track record at this event.

In two of his last three starts here, Mitchell finished 5th (2021) and T5 (2023), despite losing strokes on approach in both. He leaned on elite driving and solid putting to post those results. If he can rediscover even average iron play this week, his past success at this course suggests he’s more than capable of another strong finish.

Andrew Putnam (+7000) — DraftKings

Andrew Putnam enters the week sitting 87th in the FedEx Cup standings, making the next two events critical if he wants to qualify for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Putnam has quietly put together some strong performances over the past two months. He kicked off June with a T6 at the RBC Canadian Open and followed it up with a T8 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Although he was forced to withdraw from the John Deere Classic due to a back injury, he returned at the Genesis Scottish Open (MC) and bounced back nicely with a T11 at the Barracuda Championship last week—an encouraging sign.

His putting and short game have remained sharp throughout the season, but his iron play has been inconsistent. That said, last week’s showing offers hope that he’s trending in the right direction. He’s also had success at TPC Twin Cities, finishing T11 in 2022 and T19 in 2024, making him an intriguing long shot this week.

Top 20

Akshay Bhatia (+175) — DraftKings

After a strong 2024, Bhatia has flown under the radar this season—but signs of a resurgence are showing. He’s posted back-to-back solid results with a T30 at The Open and a T26 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. His iron play has stayed consistent, and his driving accuracy has taken a noticeable step forward. Around-the-green and putting have also been trending up after being weaknesses earlier in the year. If that progress continues, Bhatia is a real threat for another high finish at TPC Twin Cities.

Emiliano Grillo (+190) — DraftKings

Grillo enters the week at 71st in the FedEx Cup standings, making these next two events critical to locking in a spot at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He’s coming off a disappointing result at the Barracuda Championship, but his recent form includes a playoff loss at the John Deere Classic—on a comp course for TPC Twin Cities.

Grillo’s history here is strong. In five starts, he’s posted three top 10 finishes, including a T2 in 2022 and a T3 in 2020. He clearly feels comfortable at this venue.

Matti Schmid (+280) — DraftKings

Sitting 68th in the FedEx Cup standings, Schmid is another player on the bubble looking to secure a playoff spot. He struggled at The Open (T69), but his form before that was encouraging—T17 at the Genesis Scottish Open and T7 at the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour.

Schmid has played well here before, finishing T20 in 2023 and improving to T12 in 2024. His putter let him down at Royal Troon, but his iron play rebounded nicely, which bodes well this week. With solid distance off the tee and improving accuracy, Schmid has the tools to contend.

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.

UFC 318 Free Plays – Sports Betting

Kiev O'Neil

July 19, 2025

Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov -225

Tonight’s UFC 318 co-main event features a compelling middleweight clash between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov, two fighters with very different trajectories and styles.

🥊 Fighter Breakdown

Paulo Costa (14–4)

Former title challenger, ranked #13
Known for explosive power and aggressive pressure
Has struggled with consistency, going 1–4 in his last five fights
Last win: Decision over Luke Rockhold in 2022
Concerns: Cardio issues, inactivity, and mental focus

Roman Kopylov (14–3)

Ranked #14, surging with a 6–1 record in his last seven bouts
Technical striker with crisp kickboxing and strong finishing ability
Most recent win: Head-kick KO of Chris Curtis in January
Strengths: Precision, composure, and fight IQ

🔍 Tactical Preview

Costa’s Path to Victory: He needs to turn this into a brawl—pressure Kopylov, use body kicks, and mix in clinch work. If he fights cautiously or from range, he risks getting picked apart.
Kopylov’s Strategy: Keep it technical. His superior striking and movement give him the edge in a measured fight. If Costa fades or gets reckless, Kopylov can capitalize.

Stats:

Attribute	Paulo Costa	Roman Kopylov
Record	14–4	14–3
Height	6’1″ (185 cm)	6’0″ (183 cm)
Reach	72″ (183 cm)	75″ (190 cm)
Stance	Orthodox	Southpaw
Significant Strikes Landed/Min (SLpM)	6.22	4.96
Striking Accuracy	58%	50%
Significant Strikes Absorbed/Min (SApM)	6.56	4.86
Strike Defense	47%	55%
Takedown Avg/15 min	0.00	1.17
Takedown Accuracy	0%	42%
Takedown Defense	75%	87%
Submission Avg/15 min	0.0	0.0

Prediction:

This should be a great fight two watch between two guys that have been going opposite directions in the UFC. Roman Kopylov is on a great win streak while Paulo Costa has lost four of his last five fights. Usually, I tend to lean with the guy who is moving on up, but in this case, the price is making me make a play on Costa who is in some trouble. The issue with Paulo is that his mind hasn’t been right since he drank wine the day he was fighting Izzy. In saying that, this is a situation where Costa has to find that dog within him. Paulo has struggled from becoming too timid during his fights against guys that can move around the ring. I do not see Kopylov as having that profile. Paulo should be the stronger and harder hitting opponent here, and the statistic show that he should land more strikes. The other big thing for this handicap is strength of schedule. Roman has only fought one tier 1 fighter in Fluffy Hernandez. This fight didn’t end well for him as it ended in him tapping out. Paulo has fought at least six tier one fighters, and although he hasn’t won as of late, he certainly showed well back when he has beaten Yoel Romero and Uriah Hall who I suppose could be called boarderline tier 1 fighters. The price on this fight should be a pickem at best. Seeing +190 on Paulo is just too good to pass up. I will take the plus money in a coin flip fight.

Paulo Costa +190 – 1 star

Bonus Play: Daniel Zellhuber by submission +440 – .5 stars – This is a play more about the opponent Michael Johnson. Out of his 19 losses, he has been submitted 9 times. Zell can wrestle, and he submitted Christos Giagos three fights ago back in 2023. Worth a shot with the big plus money.

The 2025 Open Championship Preview & Picks

Patrick Gates

July 14, 2025

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:

Dates: July 17th – July 20th, 2025
Location: Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Course: Royal Portrush Golf Club
Course Type: Ocean Links
Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 12x 4’s / 2x 5’s)
Length: 7,381 Yards
Format: 72-hole stroke play
Greens: Fescue .157” (4mm)
Fairways: .315” Fescue (8mm)
Rough: Fescue/bentgrass, indigenous grasses and wildflowers 2” (50mm) – 6’ wide
Bunkers: 57 (80,000 sq. ft.)
Water Hazard(s): 2 streams (In-Play on 2 Holes)
Average Green Size: 5,400 sq. ft.
Stimpmeter: 10.0 ft.
Purse/ Winner: $17,000,000/ $3,100,000
FedEx Cup Points: 750
Field: 156 Players
Cut: Top 70 and Ties – 36 Holes
Playoff Format: Three-hole aggregate playoff is held (Holes No. 1, 3, and 18); followed by sudden death if the lead is still tied
Course Scoring Average:
- 2019: 72.16 (+1.16), Difficulty Rank 4 of 49
Historic Cut Line:
- 2019: +1

Social Media:

Course X: @royalportrush
Tournament X: @TheOpen

Course Information:

Course Architect:

Course Architect: Harry Colt (1888)
Renovations: Martin Ebert (2015-17, 2022-23)

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):

Royal Troon Golf Club – Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland – 2024 Open Championship

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):

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North) – 7.389 Yards – 2025 RBC Canadian Open
Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course) – 7,385 Yards – 2024 Open Championship
Oakmont Country Club – 7,372 Yards – 2025 U.S. Open
Black Desert Resort – 7,371 Yards – Black Desert Championship
Detroit Golf Club – 7,370 Yards – Rocket Mortgage Classic

Comparable Greens (Fescue .157”):

The Renaissance Club – Fescue – Genesis Scottish Open

Comparable Average Green Size (5,400 sq. ft.):

TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) – 5,500 sq. ft. – THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Deere Run – 5,500 sq. ft. – John Deere Classic

TV Information (all times ET):

Round 1: Thursday, July 17th, 2025
- Peacock – 1:30 AM – 4:00 AM
- NBC – 4:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Round 2: Friday, July 18th, 2025
- Peacock – 1:30 AM – 4:00 AM
- NBC – 4:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Round 3: Saturday, July 19th, 2025
- NBC – 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Round 4: Sunday, July 20th, 2025
- NBC – 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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.

A thread of our proud history 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/Smn18AqcDi
— Royal Portrush G.C. (@royalportrush) July 13, 2025

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:

Duration	Tournament Name
1860-1870, 1872-1914, 1920-1939, 1946-2019, 2021-Present	The Open Championship

Tournament Records:

Most Wins at Event:
- 6, Harry Vardon (1914, 1911, 1903, 1899, 1898, 1896)

72-Hole Record:
- 264, Henrik Stenson (2016 at Royal Troon)

18-Hole Record:
- 62, Branden Grace (3rd round, 2017 at Royal Birkdale)

Course Records:

72-Hole Record:
- 269, Shane Lowry (2019)

18-Hole Record:
- 63, Shane Lowry (3rd round, 2019)

Largest Margin of Victory:
- 6 Strokes, Shane Lowry (2019)

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’

Open Championship Course Guide

Royal Portrush Golf Club Course Guide

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

Royal Portrush’s layout is shaped by natural dunes, creating uneven lies, narrow corridors, and unpredictable bounces. Driving the ball well here isn’t just about length—it’s about precision and control, especially in avoiding the pot bunkers that penalize even slightly off-line tee shots. Players who can combine distance with accuracy will have a major edge.
- Leaders in SG: Off the Tee (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Bryson DeChambeau
  - Niklas Norgaard Moller
  - Aldrich Potgieter
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Jesper Svensson
  - Kevin Yu
  - Jason Kokrak
  - Jordan L. Smith
  - Daniel Berger
  - Adam Scott

Good Drives Gained

Tracking players who consistently keep the ball in play—whether by hitting fairways or recovering effectively to reach the green in regulation—is crucial on demanding links layouts. Good Drives Gained measures consistency and control, making it a key stat for success at Royal Portrush.
- Leaders in Good Drives Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Corey Conners
  - Henrik Stenson
  - Aaron Rai
  - Daniel Berger
  - Tommy Fleetwood
  - Shane Lowry
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Collin Morikawa
  - Sepp Straka
  - Harris English

Strokes Gained: Approach

Approach play is where the field often separates. The greens at Portrush are subtly tiered, elevated, or angled, and simply hitting the putting surface isn’t enough—you have to find the correct quadrant. Add in swirling winds and firm conditions, and this becomes a true test of ball striking and trajectory control.
- Leaders in SG: Approach (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Viktor Hovland
  - Shane Lowry
  - Sepp Straka
  - Akshay Bhatia
  - Ben Griffin
  - Daniel Berger
  - Brian Campbell
  - Joaquin Niemann
  - Russell Henley

Strokes Gained: Around the Green

Firm turf, shaved run-offs, and pot bunkers demand imagination and touch around the greens. Whether it’s a bump-and-run, a low spinner, or a delicate flop, variety and creativity are essential. Players with elite short games can salvage pars and maintain momentum where others drop shots.
- Leaders in SG: Around the Green (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Cameron Smith
  - Sungjae Im
  - Bryson DeChambeau
  - Keegan Bradley
  - Matteo Manassero
  - Matt Wallace
  - Jason Day
  - Russell Henley
  - Tyrrell Hatton
  - Scottie Scheffler

Strokes Gained: Putting

While the greens aren’t overly undulated, they’re fast, firm, and wind-exposed—making even short putts nervy. Players who excel on slick surfaces and adjust to wind will gain strokes with the flatstick.
- Leaders in SG: Putting (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Harry Hall
  - Sam Burns
  - Cameron Smith
  - Lucas Herbert
  - Cameron Young
  - Justin Thomas
  - Thorbjorn Olesen
  - J.J. Spaun
  - Robert MacIntyre
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Adrien Saddier

Greens in Regulation Gained

Consistently finding greens, particularly from longer distances and uneven lies, will be a major separator. GIR leaders will give themselves more birdie looks—and avoid tricky up-and-downs. Check the traditional statistics from 2019 here and Greens in Regulation was critical.
Reviewing the traditional stats from 2019 shows just how important Greens in Regulation was. Shane Lowry led the category during a tough, windy Open by hitting an impressive 59 out of 72 greens (79.17%). Tony Finau and Lee Westwood each found 56 of 72 greens (75%), tying them for third in GIR. Finau finished third overall, with Westwood close behind in fourth.
- Leaders in GIR Gained (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Joaquin Niemann
  - Ben Griffin
  - Jon Rahm
  - Patrick Cantlay
  - Daniel Berger
  - Harris English
  - Corey Conners
  - Robert MacIntyre
  - Collin Morikawa

Par 3 Scoring: 175-200 Yards

Three of Portrush’s four par 3s fall into this range and are exposed to wind and elevation changes. Precision long irons or hybrids are required. The outlier, No. 16 (“Calamity Corner”), is a brutal 236-yard hole that can end a round in a heartbeat.
Back in 2019, Shane Lowry ranked 12th in Par 3 Scoring from this range during his championship run. In Strokes Gained: Par 3, he led the field—tied with Lee Westwood, who finished 4th, and Dustin Johnson, who ended up T51.
- Leaders in Par 3 Scoring: 175–200 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Taylor Pendrith
  - J.T. Poston
  - Harry Hall
  - Justin Thomas
  - Cameron Smith
  - Matthieu Pavon
  - Dean Burmester
  - Andrew Novak
  - Lucas Glover
  - Daniel Hillier

Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards

Half of the par 4s at Portrush fall within this range and demand sharp tee-to-green execution. These holes are the backbone of the scoring and where rounds can be built—or undone—due to firm fairways and penal hazards.
In 2019, Shane Lowry dominated this range, ranking 1st in Par 4 Scoring: 400–450 yards en route to his Open victory. He wasn’t alone—Danny Willett, Robert MacIntyre, and Tyrrell Hatton all finished T6 or better and ranked inside the top 5 in this category that week. Success on these holes was a clear indicator of leaderboard position.
- Leaders in Par 4 Scoring: 400–450 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Matteo Manassero
  - Matt Wallace
  - Tommy Fleetwood
  - Justin Thomas
  - Patrick Cantlay
  - Russell Henley
  - Daniel Brown
  - Sergio Garcia
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Cameron Smith

Par 5 Scoring

With just two par 5s on the card—No. 2 and No. 12—scoring opportunities are limited and birdies aren’t guaranteed. Both feature undulating fairways and tough approaches, especially in firm conditions. Players must capitalize when these rare chances arise.
- Leaders in Par 5 Scoring (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Xander Schauffele
  - Jordan Spieth
  - Sam Burns
  - Ben Griffin
  - Tommy Fleetwood
  - Justin Suh
  - Matt Wallace
  - Viktor Hovland
  - Tyrrell Hatton

Scrambling Gained

Given the difficulty of consistently hitting greens and the severity of run-offs, scrambling ability will be crucial. Players who can consistently get up-and-down from tight lies, rough, or bunkers will save vital strokes.
- Leaders in Scrambling (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Matteo Manassero
  - Mackenzie Hughes
  - Matt Wallace
  - Tom Hoge
  - Guido Migliozzi
  - Tommy Fleetwood
  - Sam Burns
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Hideki Matsuyama
  - Patrick Reed

Bogey Avoidance Gained

In major championships—especially links setups—mistake avoidance is more valuable than making birdies. Those who limit bogeys and avoid big numbers stay in contention.
During the 2019 Open Championship at Portrush, Shane Lowry ranked 4th in Bogey Avoidance on his way to lifting the Claret Jug. Tommy Fleetwood, the runner-up, led the field in this category, while Tony Finau, who finished third, ranked third in bogey avoidance—highlighting how vital this stat was to success that week.
- Leaders in Bogey Avoidance (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Rory McIlroy
  - Jon Rahm
  - Joaquin Niemann
  - Bryson DeChambeau
  - Ben Griffin
  - Harry Hall
  - Corey Conners
  - Matt Wallace
  - Sepp Straka

Proximity: 150-200 Yards

Approach shots from mid to long iron range will be a major factor this week, especially on a layout like Royal Portrush, where players often face lengthy second shots into firm greens. Proximity from 150–200 yards helps identify who consistently sets up realistic birdie chances from these key distances.
- Leaders in Proximity: 150-175 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Davis Thompson
  - Viktor Hovland
  - Xander Schauffele
  - Corey Conners
  - Hideki Matsuyama
  - Akshay Bhatia
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Justin Rose
  - Stephan Jaeger
  - Daniel Berger
- Leaders in Proximity: 175-200 Yards (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Viktor Hovland
  - Rikuya Hoshino
  - Hideki Matsuyama
  - Patrick Reed
  - Chris Kirk
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Brooks Koepka
  - Davis Thompson
  - Dean Burmester
  - Brian Campbell

Strokes Gained: Tee to Green – High Winds

Royal Portrush is frequently battered by coastal gusts, making wind management an essential skill. Players who can flight the ball, control spin, and remain composed in swirling, unpredictable conditions tend to separate themselves from the field. Historical performance in windy conditions is one of the strongest indicators of potential success this week.
- Leaders in SG: Total – Windy AF (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Tony Finau
  - Hideki Matsuyama
  - Corey Conners
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Shane Lowry
  - Keegan Bradley
  - Sungjae Im
  - Wyndham Clark
  - Jon Rahm
  - Tom Hoge

Strokes Gained: Total – Scoring Relative to Par: Difficult

Portrush doesn’t yield many birdie runs. With narrow fairways, firm greens, and penal bunkers, it plays well above par when the wind blows and conditions firm up. Players with a track record of gaining strokes relative to par on tougher setups—rather than relying on birdie-fests—tend to shine in major environments like this.
- Leaders in SG: Total – Difficult Scoring Conditions (Last 24 Rounds):
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Corey Conners
  - Rory McIlroy
  - Bryson DeChambeau
  - Jon Rahm
  - Russell Henley
  - J.J. Spaun
  - Keegan Bradley
  - Shane Lowry
  - Ben Griffin

Major History

Big moments on big stages matter. Experience in majors reflects more than just physical ability—it shows who can handle the pressure, the pacing, and the grind of championship golf. Players who have consistently contended in majors—especially those involving windy or firm conditions—bring a valuable edge to Portrush.
- Leaders in SG: Total – Majors (Last 50 Rounds):
  - Scottie Scheffler
  - Xander Schauffele
  - Rory McIlroy
  - Jon Rahm
  - Viktor Hovland
  - Collin Morikawa
  - Tommy Fleetwood
  - Bryson DeChambeau
  - Cameron Young
  - Cameron Smith

Open Championship History

There’s no tournament quite like The Open. Links golf demands a different kind of skillset: creative shot-making, adaptability, patience, and comfort in variable weather. Players with a strong track record in Open Championships have already proven they can succeed in these unpredictable environments.
- Leaders in SG: Total – Open Championship (Last 50 Rounds):
  - Jordan Spieth
  - Rory McIlroy
  - Xander Schauffele
  - Adam Scott
  - Henrik Stenson
  - Sergio Garcia
  - Rickie Fowler
  - Cameron Young
  - Shane Lowry
  - Dustin Johnson

Course & Comparable Courses History

Royal Portrush has a distinct feel, but it shares characteristics with Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie, Royal St. George’s, and Muirfield—firm turf, punishing bunkers, and heavy wind influence. Performance on these or similarly demanding links courses can be a useful guide for identifying players with the right tools and temperament for Portrush.
- Leaders in SG: Total – Course & Comparable Courses (Last 36 Rounds):
  - Jordan Spieth
  - Rory McIlroy
  - Sergio Garcia
  - Rickie Fowler
  - Tommy Fleetwood
  - Adam Scott
  - Shane Lowry
  - Xander Schauffele
  - Tony Finau
  - Henrik Stenson

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.

Moments like this define Final Qualifying.

An incredible eagle for amateur golfer Richard Teder to secure a spot at The 153rd Open. pic.twitter.com/ljOVfXu6oV
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 1, 2025

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:

PGA Tour Injury Report | The Open 2025

Sponsored By @NUCLRGOLF

More Details -> https://t.co/P8qd00djjj @TheOpen

Brooks Koepka (Knee)
Jordan Spieth (Neck)
Hideki Matsuyama (Back)
Sahith Theegala (Neck)
Viktor Hovland (Neck)
Matti Schmid (illness)
Rikuya Hoshino (Neck)… pic.twitter.com/e7mQl5PjvN
— Golf Injury Report (@InjuryReportPGA) July 16, 2025

Caddie Changes:

Tom Kim has parted ways with caddie Paul Tesori. He's also playing without a swing coach.

Spent some time with Kim, who is experiencing the first extended rut of his career.

On his "very humbling" year and the search for what he's never lost before.https://t.co/4SJyxi7Cm2
— Paul Hodowanic (@PaulHodowanic) July 14, 2025

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

Full Field

Tee Times & Groupings:

Thursday's Featured Groups are in.

View the draw in full: https://t.co/1pArWZmUfu @rolex | #ReachForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/Z3wjT9k4Gc
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 15, 2025

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	–	–

Current Odds

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.

Here’s my 10-year trends preview for the 2025 Open Championship. Give it a good old read please. Some interesting names in the top dozen. @Betfair https://t.co/ZdAKNYyKpD
— Dave Tindall (@DaveTindallgolf) July 9, 2025

All credit goes to Dave Tindall. Be sure to check out his 10-year trends article here.

Open Championship Trends:

8 of the past 13 winners have been 32y or older.

16 of the past 19 had already recorded a top 10 at the Open in a previous season

Five of the last seven Open winners had finished T11 or better at one of the first three majors (of the season)
— Geoff (@thefantasygrind) July 13, 2025

Top-5 trends for the Open Championship

Look for…

Top-10 ranking in Strokes Gained: Putting in last two months
Top-10 ranking in Approach the Green in last two months
Top-10 finish in last two months
Top-10 ranking in Tee to Green in last two months
Played in either of the… pic.twitter.com/mupMVpPPtJ
— Stanley (@Golf_Stats) July 14, 2025

The last 5 winners of The Open Championship have more in common than you may think…

If the trends of the last 5 winners hold true, only two players have a chance next week. The results may shock you…🧵
— Greg DuCharme (@therealGFD) July 13, 2025

The last 11 Champion Golfers of the Year all did this… here are 4 Open Trends you need to know pic.twitter.com/TYd0d2g3xK
— Sharpside Sports (@sharpsidesports) July 14, 2025

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.

DraftKings – Playoff Prop

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

An ace on the 17th for Si Woo Kim. pic.twitter.com/tPg2PKTm1x
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2024

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.

DraftKings – Hole-in-One Prop

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.

DraftKings – Wire-to-wire Winner

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	–	–

Open Championship course history since 2015.

⛳️Includes average finish position and Strokes Gained average per round on all @TheOpen courses. Players are sorted by SG: Total.

⛳️Also includes finish position on other links courses going back to 2017. ⬇️

Scot – Scottish Open… pic.twitter.com/q8JbsKNn7B
— Ron Klos (@PGASplits101) July 14, 2025

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
~~Ernie Els~~	22	~~-7.45~~	WD	MC	MC	MC	~~T32~~
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.

Podcast 709 – 45 – 25 – With Josh Nunn – 2025 College Football Big 10 Preview – Sports Betting

Kiev O'Neil

July 10, 2025

We have a MASSIVE show for you today! Joshua Nunn @StepOnADuck1 is back to break down the 2025 big 10 preview! First, Kiev talks about the membership packages that we have up at The Oddsbreakers! Next, Josh comes on and the guys get right into some bets that they have added since their last show together. Then, the boys talk Big 10! We get into performances from last season from a YPP and EPA perspective. We talk about what teams lost and gained in the draft as well as the transfer portal. We discuss scheduling spots and which teams should exceed expectations. After that, Josh and Kiev talk some early college football week 0 & week 1 bets that they have made. Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!

Link to wagering on our best bets from the show: https://theoddsbreakers.com/mybookie/ Must Be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.

Follow our FREE PICKS telegram channel: https://t.me/TheOddsBreakersFreePicks

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You could also support us at Patreon.com for only $10 a month to help us out and thank us for some free plays as well as get some extra benefits like free merch and plays!

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Duration	Course	Location:
2008-Present	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1977-2007	Forest Oaks Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1961-1976	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1958-1960	Starmount Forest Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1957	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1954-1956	Starmount Forest Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1953	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1951-1952	Starmount Forest Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1950	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1949	Starmount Forest Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1948	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1947	Starmount Forest Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1946	Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1942; 1945	Starmount Forest Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina
1938-1941	Starmount Forest Country Club and Sedgefield Country Club	Greensboro, North Carolina

Duration	Tournament Name
2007-Present	Wyndham Championship
2003-2006	Chrysler Classic of Greensboro
1996-2002	Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic
1988-1995	KMart Greater Greensboro Open
1938-1942; 1945-1987	Greater Greensboro Open

Duration	Tournament Name
2024-Present	ISCO Championship
2015-2023	Barbasol Championship

Barbasol Championship	Barbasol Championship
Keene Trace Golf Club	RTJ Trail (Grand National)
2019	2017
MC	T55

Statistics	PGA Tour Average	The Renaissance Club
Driving Distance (Yards)	284.01	293.70
Driving Accuracy	62%	52%
GIR Percentage	66%	66%
Avg GIR Prox. to Hole (Feet)	29.17	32.50
Scrambling Percentage	57%	55%
Avg 3 Putts / Round	0.55	0.47

		Genesis Scottish Open	Genesis Scottish Open	Genesis Scottish Open
		The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club
Golfer	SG: Total (Event)	2024	2023	2022
Robert Macintyre	+25.94	WON	2	MC
Joohyung (Tom) Kim	+25.54	T15	T6	3
Rory McIlroy	+22.94	T4	WON	–
Romain Langasque	+13.94	3	T25	–
Wyndham Clark	+11.94	T10	T25	T16
Tommy Fleetwood	+11.94	T34	T6	T4

Genesis Scottish Open	Genesis Scottish Open	Abrdn Scottish Open	Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open	Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club
2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
2	MC	T18	T14	MC

abrdn Scottish Open	Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
The Renaissance Club	The Renaissance Club
2021	2019
MC	T34

Kurt Kitayama wins the 3M Open

Pre-Tournament Storylines:

Aaron Rai Looks to Defend His Title at the Wyndham Championship

What’s at Stake This Week at the Wyndham Championship

$100 Million FedExCup Bonus Pool

The $40 Million Comcast Business TOUR Top 10

2026 Signature Event Eligibility

Social Media:

Course Information:

Course Architect:

Comparable Courses:

Comparable Location (Greensboro, North Carolina):

Designer Link (Donald Ross):

Comparable Yardage (7,131 Yards):

Comparable Greens (Champion bermudagrass .120”):

Comparable Average Green Size (6,000 sq. ft.):

TV Information (all times ET):

Course/ Tournament History:

Previous Tournament Venues:

Previous Tournament Names:

Tournament Records:

Course Records:

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Key Statistics:

Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes Gained: Ball Striking

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)

Greens in Regulation Gained

Fairways Gained

Par 3 Scoring

Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards

Par 5 Scoring: 500-550 Yards

Opportunities Gained

Birdies or Better Gained

Proximity: 100-175, 200+ Yards

Comparable Courses and Event History

The Field:

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

Debutants in the Field:

Exemptions:

Open Qualifiers:

Players with ties to North Carolina in the Field:

Birthplace:

College:

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

Tee Times & Groupings:

The Odds:

Tournament Trends:

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

Will There Be a Playoff at the Wyndham Championship? (Yes +350 / No -500)

Hole-in-One:

Will There Be a Hole-in-One at the Wyndham Championship? (Yes -250/ No +160)

Wire to Wire Winner:

Will There Be a Wire-to-Wire Winner at the Wyndham Championship? (Yes +800)

Recent Horses for Courses (Sedgefield Country Club):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (Sedgefield Country Club):

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

Picks:

Outrights

Matt Fitzpatrick (+2000) – FanDuel

Lucas Glover (+4000) – DraftKings

Michael Thorbjornsen (+6500) – FanDuel

Emiliano Grillo (+7000) – FanDuel

Joohyung (Tom) Kim (+8000) – FanDuel

Andrew Putnam (+9000) – DraftKings

Chris Kirk (+11000) – FanDuel

Kevin Roy (+12000) – FanDuel

Top 20 (Incl. Ties):

Ben Griffin (+125) – DraftKings

Harry Hall (+175) – DraftKings

Top 40 (Incl. Ties):

Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+100) – BetMGM

Nicolas Echavarria (+125) – BetMGM

Mets vs Giants -129 – O/U 7.5

⚾ Pitching Matchup

🔥 Recent Form