The 2025 Open Championship, the final major of the year, returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland from July 17–20, 2025. This will be only the third time that the iconic course hosts The Open, following 1951 and 2019, when Shane Lowry triumphed in front of an electric home crowd.

As always, The Open will test players with links golf challenges—firm and fast fairways, unpredictable weather, and deep pot bunkers. Mastery of ball flight control and creativity around the greens will be essential for lifting the Claret Jug.

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 Course Preview 

Royal Portrush is widely regarded as one of the best links courses in the world. The 7,317-yard, par-71 layout is packed with stunning scenery and brutal challenges, including:

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• Undulating Fairways – Accuracy is crucial, as balls can take unpredictable bounces on the firm turf.

• Pot Bunkers – Deep, unforgiving bunkers that make recovery shots extremely difficult.

• Coastal Winds – The course sits on the edge of the North Atlantic, meaning wind will be a huge factor.

• The Infamous ‘Calamity Corner’ (Par-3 16th) – One of the most intimidating holes in golf, featuring a massive drop-off to the right of the green.

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With wind and weather shaping the conditions daily, adaptability will be key to success.

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 Notable Players  ​

Links golf demands shot-making creativity, control in the wind, and a sharp short game. Here are some key players to watch:

• Rory McIlroy – A Northern Ireland native eager to win The Open on home soil after missing out in 2019.

• Scottie Scheffler – The world’s best ball-striker, capable of handling tough conditions.

• Jon Rahm – His ability to shape shots and handle windy conditions makes him a strong contender.

• Brooks Koepka – A big-game player who thrives in major championships.

• Tommy Fleetwood – A links specialist and fan favorite, hungry for his first major.

• Shane Lowry – The 2019 Open champion at Royal Portrush, looking to recreate his magic.

• Cameron Smith – A short-game wizard with the creativity needed for links golf.

• Ludvig Åberg – A rising star seeking his breakthrough major win.

 

With challenging conditions, unpredictable weather, and a passionate crowd, the 2025 Open Championship promises to be an unforgettable battle for the Claret Jug.