The final major of the PGA Tour season is here, and it promises drama, legacy, and links mastery. The 153rd Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland from July 17–20, 2025, marking its third time hosting golf’s oldest major. With a $17 million purse and the coveted Claret Jug on the line, the world’s elite golfers will battle wind, dunes, and history on one of the most scenic and strategic courses in the Open rota.
Venue Spotlight: Royal Portrush Golf Club
Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Course: Dunluce Links
Par/Yardage: Par 71, 7,381 yards
Architectural pedigree: Originally designed by Harry Colt, with recent updates by Martin Ebert
Signature holes:
5th (White Rocks): A risk-reward par-4 with cliffside drama
7th (Curran Point): A new par-5 carved into towering dunes
16th (Calamity Corner): A brutal par-3 with a deep drop-off and swirling winds
Royal Portrush demands precision off the tee, elite iron play, and creativity around the greens. With false fronts, tight fairways, and pot bunkers, it rewards strategic thinkers over bombers.
Weather & Conditions
Forecast: Mild temperatures (mid-60s°F), light to moderate winds (10–20 mph), and scattered showers
Impact: Expect firm turf early, softening slightly with rain. Wind direction will be key in scoring and club selection.
Players to Watch: Top Contenders & Dark Horses
| Golfer | Odds to Win | Key Strengths | Open History |
| Scottie Scheffler | +450 | Elite ball-striking, consistency | 4 Top-10s in 5 starts |
| Rory McIlroy | +700 | Home advantage, recent form surge | 5 Top-10s since 2014 |
| Jon Rahm | +1200 | Power fade, links experience | T11 at Portrush 2019 |
| Tommy Fleetwood | +2800 | Iron play, Open pedigree | Runner-up in 2019 |
| Shane Lowry | +3000 | Past champion at Portrush | Emotional homecoming |
| Robert MacIntyre | +4000 | Links specialist, trending upward | T6 at Portrush 2019 |
| Jordan Spieth | +6000 | Creative shot-making, Open savvy | 2017 Champion |
Best Bet to Win: Jon Rahm – trending form, strong off the tee, and proven links success
Top Sleeper Pick: Aaron Rai (+12000) – elite driving accuracy and greens-in-regulation
Top 10 Value: Xander Schauffele (+2500) – defending champion, consistent major performer
How to Watch the 2025 Open Championship
| Date | Coverage (ET) | Platform |
| July 17 | 1:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| July 18 | 1:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| July 19 | 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM | NBC, Peacock |
| July 20 | 4:00 AM – 2:00 PM | NBC, Peacock |
Strategic Trends & Course Fit
Driving accuracy > distance: Narrow fairways and OB stakes demand control
Mid-iron proximity: 160–210 yard approaches dominate scoring holes
Short game creativity: False fronts and elevated greens require finesse
Mental resilience: Wind shifts and crowd energy will test nerves
