Tournament Details
- Event: Soudal Open (DP World Tour)
- Date: May 23-26, 2025
- Venue: Rinkven International Golf Club, Antwerp, Belgium
- Course: Par 71, 6,924 yards
- Purse: $2.75 million
- Defending Champion: Nacho Elvira
- TV Broadcast: Golf Channel (US), Sky Sports Golf (UK)
Course Overview
Rinkven International Golf Club is hosting the Soudal Open for the sixth time, having debuted on the DP World Tour in 2018. The course is a parkland-style layout with tight, tree-lined fairways, small undulating greens, and strategic water hazards on nine holes.
The course is not long by modern standards, meaning accuracy and iron play are more important than driving distance. Players will need to navigate dog-leg fairways and avoid deep bunkers, making this a true test of precision golf.
Field & Notable Players
The 156-player field features a mix of DP World Tour veterans, rising stars, and home favorites. Key contenders include:
- Thomas Pieters (Belgium) – The home favorite finished runner-up in 2024 and is looking to claim his first Soudal Open title.
- Francesco Molinari (Italy) – The 2018 Open Champion makes his tournament debut, bringing major-winning experience.
- Jorge Campillo (Spain) – Finished second in Turkey earlier this month, showing strong form.
- Eugenio Chacarra (Spain) – A rising star who has put together five top-10 finishes worldwide since December.
- Jordan Smith (England) – Has posted successive finishes of second and seventh, making him a strong contender.
- Nacho Elvira (Spain, Defending Champion) – Won the 2024 Soudal Open by one shot, holding off Pieters and Langasque.
Other notable players include Matthew Southgate, Hao Tong Li, Matteo Manassero, and Jacob Skov Olesen, all of whom have shown strong form in recent DP World Tour events.
Key Storylines
Thomas Pieters’ Homecoming
Pieters is playing just minutes from his home, making him a fan favorite. He finished runner-up last year and will be eager to go one better.
Nacho Elvira’s Title Defense
Elvira held off a late charge from Niklas Nørgaard to win in 2024. Can he repeat his success and become the first back-to-back winner at Rinkven?
Course Challenges
Rinkven demands elite iron play, with 16 of the top 17 finishers last year gaining strokes on approach. Players who excel in ball-striking and putting will have the best chance to contend.
Betting Odds & Predictions
- Thomas Pieters (+900) – Strong home record and runner-up finish last year.
- Francesco Molinari (+1200) – Major-winning experience could be key.
- Jorge Campillo (+1400) – In great form after a second-place finish in Turkey.
- Nacho Elvira (+1600) – Defending champion looking to repeat.
- Jordan Smith (+1800) – Consistent performer with strong recent results.
