The oldest major in golf returns this July, and it's bringing the drama to one of the most scenic and storied courses in the world Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. As the host of the 153rd Open Championship, Portrush is primed to deliver a blend of raw links golf, passionate crowds, and major championship pressure.
From career-defining storylines to rising stars, here’s what you need to know heading into The Open Championship 2025.
Royal Portrush last hosted The Open in 2019, when Shane Lowry captured the Claret Jug in front of roaring home fans. The course was praised for its fairness, challenge, and stunning coastal layout. In 2025, it returns with even more buzz and possibly even worse weather.
Expect swirling winds, fast-running fairways, and deep bunkers that punish every missed shot. This is links golf at its purest, and only the most adaptable players will survive the week.
Northern Ireland’s own Rory McIlroy returns to Portrush with massive expectations and the weight of a decade-long major drought. His last Open win came in 2014, and since then, he's been painfully close without closing.
A win at Portrush would be more than just another major it would be career-defining, and the ultimate homecoming moment. Keep your eyes on the crowd energy every time Rory steps onto the tee box.
While merger talks between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour have cooled tensions slightly, the divide still casts a shadow over every major. With stars like Brooks Koepka, Cam Smith, and Jon Rahm (now with LIV) contending alongside PGA loyalists, Portrush becomes a high-stakes battleground.
The press conferences, pairings, and on-course interactions could get spicy.
Players to Watch in 2025
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Ludvig Åberg – The Swedish sensation continues to climb the ranks with precision and calm beyond his years. A strong Open showing could mark his arrival as a top-5 global player.
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Tommy Fleetwood – Born for links golf. Fleetwood came close in 2019 at Portrush. Could 2025 be his year?
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Rose Zhang (if competing in a mixed-field exhibition or part of surrounding events) While not in the men’s field, Zhang’s presence in Open week media events shows how golf’s gender gap is narrowing.
Tiger Woods: The Farewell Tour?
No Open preview is complete without a Tiger mention. If Woods competes at Portrush, it will likely be one of his final Open appearances. Even if he’s not a contender, every step he takes will feel like the end of an era.
Final Thoughts
The Open Championship 2025 at Royal Portrush isn’t just another major it’s a convergence of eras, narratives, and global storylines. With a legendary venue, shifting tour politics, and homegrown heroes in the mix, this could be one of the most emotional and competitive Opens in recent memory.
