The golf world converges on Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the final major championship of the year, the Open Championship. If the dramatic 2019 edition held here serves as any precedent, players and fans alike are in for a compelling test of links golf that will determine the champion golfer of the year.
The major season leading up to this week has provided its fair share of narratives. We saw Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam at the Masters, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler add another major to his tally at the PGA Championship, and J.J. Spaun deliver a surprising victory at Oakmont in the U.S. Open. These champions, along with the global elite, now turn their attention to the unique challenges presented by the Dunluce links course.
Predicting success at the Open is always a nuanced exercise, blending current form with a player`s historical comfort level and strategic adaptability on links terrain. Here, we break down some of the key figures expected to contend for the coveted Claret Jug.
The Global Powerhouses
Scottie Scheffler arrives once again as the World No. 1 and a consistent major threat. His ability to overpower courses stateside is undeniable, but the translation of his game to the firm, wind-affected conditions of links golf remains a point of fascination. While he secured another major this year, his Open record, with finishes ranging from top-10s to outside the top 20, suggests this particular major might be his most challenging puzzle to solve. A recent tied eighth finish at the Scottish Open indicates he`s tuning his game, and dismissing the world`s best is rarely wise.
Spain`s Jon Rahm has been steadily building momentum throughout the year, particularly in big events. Following a solid showing at last year`s Open, he`s posted strong finishes at this year`s majors, including contending deep into the PGA Championship and finishing tied for seventh at the U.S. Open. Rahm`s competitive fire and recent form make him a compelling candidate, possessing the temperament and skill set often required to navigate Open conditions.
The narrative surrounding Rory McIlroy at Portrush is inescapable. Returning to his home country eight years after his last major win at the 2014 Open, the pressure and potential inspiration are immense. His unexpected missed cut here in 2019 is a stark reminder of how demanding this course can be, but his recent Masters victory completed the career grand slam, proving his major pedigree is still sharp. Despite acknowledging motivational struggles post-Masters, a tied second finish at the Scottish Open suggests his game is peaking at the right time for an emotional homecoming.
Links Specialists and Past Champions
The defending champion, Xander Schauffele, earned his Claret Jug last year through remarkable steadiness. While his 2025 season has been quieter, potentially due to an early-year injury, his fundamental strengths in ballstriking and composure are well-suited for links golf. Repeating is incredibly difficult, but Schauffele knows precisely what it takes to win this event.
For many, Shane Lowry is the sentimental favorite. His commanding six-shot victory at Portrush in 2019 was a fairytale ending fueled by immense home support. While his major results this year haven`t been spectacular, the energy of returning to the scene of his greatest triumph could very well elevate his game. The emotional connection between Lowry and Portrush is a tangible factor that cannot be easily dismissed.
Another former champion, Collin Morikawa (2021), possesses perhaps the purest iron play in the game, a valuable asset on links courses demanding precision approaches. While his putting has sometimes held him back, his ballstriking is undeniable. Portrush theoretically suits his strengths, making him a player who could easily find himself near the top if the putter cooperates.
Intriguing Cases and Rising Stars
Bryson DeChambeau remains one of golf`s great enigmas, particularly on links land. His analytical, power-driven approach is a fascinating contrast to the traditional links game. His Open record is mixed, featuring both a strong finish and missed cuts. Watching how he attempts to `crack the code` of Portrush`s nuances with his unique style is worth the price of admission alone.
Similarly, Viktor Hovland presents a wide spectrum of possibilities. Capable of contending fiercely, as he did at the U.S. Open last month, he can also miss cuts unexpectedly. While he sometimes expresses dissatisfaction with his swing, his results can contradict his commentary. If his game clicks, his ceiling is high enough to win anywhere, including Portrush.
England`s Tommy Fleetwood feels perpetually on the cusp of a major breakthrough. His elite ballstriking is perfectly suited for links golf, and he has multiple top-10 Open finishes to his name. Could Portrush finally be the stage where he converts consistent quality into a major title?
The recent U.S. Open champion, J.J. Spaun, enters his first Open Championship riding the wave of his maiden major victory. Like Wyndham Clark before him, the challenge is to replicate that peak performance, especially on an unfamiliar links layout. It`s a tough ask, but major winners have a certain confidence that can carry them.
Rising star Ludvig Åberg burst onto the scene earlier in the year but has experienced a recent dip, including missed cuts in the PGA and U.S. Open. However, a return to form with a tied eighth finish at the Scottish Open suggests he might be finding his stride again just in time. His talent is immense, and a strong Open debut wouldn`t be a shock.
Other players in strong recent form or with games potentially suited for Portrush include Russell Henley and Corey Conners, both renowned for their accuracy and ballstriking. Ben Griffin, a two-time winner this season, also arrives with momentum despite a limited Open record. Keegan Bradley has had a standout season, potentially cementing a Ryder Cup spot with a strong showing here.
Veterans and Wildcards
Veterans like Justin Rose, who contended fiercely last year, prove that experience on links can be invaluable, even at 44. Jordan Spieth, known for his unpredictable yet often brilliant short game and scrambling, is always a wildcard at the Open, capable of both contention and early exits. Brooks Koepka`s major pedigree is unquestioned, but his current form after recent struggles makes him a difficult player to gauge this week.
Players like Joaquín Niemann, dominant on LIV but still seeking consistent major success, and Justin Thomas, who despite a poor overall Open record had his best finish at Portrush in 2019, add further layers of intrigue to the field.
Royal Portrush demands creativity, adaptability, and resilience. It`s a course that rewards precision and punishes inaccuracy, often influenced by ever-changing weather. As the world`s best tee it up, the blend of established champions, local heroes, in-form players, and intriguing newcomers promises a truly captivating conclusion to the 2025 major championship season.
