Portrush, Northern Ireland– The golfing world’s attention turns to Northern Ireland this week as Royal Portrush once again hosts The British Open, with the planet’s top golfers vying for the coveted Claret Jug.1 The 153rd Open Championship runs from July 17-20, 2025, promising a thrilling battle on the historic links course.2
Here’s a look at some of the key contenders and their prospects:
Scottie Scheffler (USA) – World No. 1
The undisputed world No. 1 arrives at Royal Portrush as the pre-tournament favorite. Scottie Scheffler has been in phenomenal form, rediscovering the touch that saw him dominate last season with nine titles. He hasn’t finished outside the top 10 since March’s Players Championship and has already clinched his third major at the PGA Championship this year, along with two other PGA Tour victories. While his British Open record has historically been weaker, he showed promising signs on links courses last year at Troon before a disappointing finish.
Rory McIlroy (NIR) – World No. 2, Hometown Hero
All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy, the hometown hero. The Northern Irishman is expected to mount a strong challenge for his second British Open title, especially after ending an 11-year major drought by completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April. McIlroy will be particularly keen to make amends for missing the cut the last time the Open was held at Portrush in 2019. His recent second-place finish at last week’s Scottish Open indicates he’s in formidable form.
Xander Schauffele (USA) – World No. 3, Defending Champion
Defending champion Xander Schauffele returns to Royal Portrush hoping to recapture the magic that saw him win his maiden major at last year’s PGA Championship, followed by his two-shot victory at Royal Troon to claim the 2024 Open Championship. While he has struggled to consistently find his best form so far this season, a recent top-10 finish in Scotland suggests he’s ready to mount a strong title defense. His brilliant, bogey-free final round of 65 last year at Troon demonstrated his ability to pull away from challengers in major championship pressure.
Bryson DeChambeau (USA) – World No. 15
The powerful American, Bryson DeChambeau, has had a mixed record at the British Open, missing the cut three times, including last year. However, he remains one of the most consistent performers in major championships, with five top-six finishes in his last seven majors, including his second US Open title in 2024. DeChambeau will be looking to leverage any rain-softened conditions to his advantage as he seeks to boost his chances of automatic qualification for the US Ryder Cup team, despite not earning points from LIV Golf events.
Jon Rahm (ESP) – World No. 72
Former Masters and US Open champion Jon Rahm has come agonizingly close to becoming the first Spanish winner of the Claret Jug since Seve Ballesteros in 1988, having tied for second in 2023.3 Despite a lower world ranking due to his move to LIV Golf, the 30-year-old is in excellent form, with two major top-10 finishes this season and his worst result in 10 LIV Golf events being a tie for 11th place. Rahm’s consistent play makes him a dangerous contender capable of making history at Portrush.
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