The 153rd Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland from July 17-20, 2025, marking just the third time this prestigious links course has hosted golf’s oldest major championship.
With a star-studded field led by world number one Scottie Scheffler and hometown hero Rory McIlroy, the 2025 British Open promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in major championship golf.
Tournament Details and Schedule
The Open Championship will take place at Royal Portrush’s famed Dunluce Links from Thursday, July 17 through Sunday, July 20, 2025.
This marks the first time since 2019 that The Open has returned to Northern Ireland, when Irishman Shane Lowry captured the Claret Jug in memorable fashion.
The tournament follows the traditional 72-hole stroke play format, with the field of 156 players competing over four days. After 36 holes, the top 70 players and ties will make the cut to compete on the weekend.
Betting Favorites and Key Storylines
Scottie Scheffler enters as the betting favorite at +450 odds, seeking his first Open Championship victory after claiming the 2025 PGA Championship.
The world’s top-ranked player has been in exceptional form with three victories in his last six starts, though he’s still searching for that elusive Claret Jug.
Rory McIlroy, fresh off completing his career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, comes in as the second favorite at +750 odds.
The Northern Irishman will face immense pressure playing on home soil, especially after his infamous opening-round quadruple bogey when The Open last visited Portrush in 2019.
Other notable contenders include Jon Rahm (+1200), defending champion Xander Schauffele (+2000), and 2019 Royal Portrush winner Shane Lowry (+2100).
Prize Money Yet to Be Announced
While the R&A has not yet announced the official prize purse for the 2025 Open Championship, it’s expected to exceed last year’s record $17 million total.
The winner at Royal Troon in 2024 took home $3.1 million, and with prize money trending upward across all majors, the 2025 champion could see an even larger payday.
Recent Qualifier Drama
The road to Royal Portrush has already produced compelling storylines, including the remarkable journey of Ryan Peake.
The 31-year-old Australian, a former gang member who turned his life around through golf, earned his spot by winning the 2025 New Zealand Open.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf’s Sam Horsfield made headlines for the wrong reasons when he was disqualified from Final Qualifying after walking off the course following a seven-over front nine without notifying officials.
Field Taking Shape
Six alternates were recently added to the field based on the latest Official World Golf Rankings, including Aldrich Potgieter and Brian Campbell, both recent PGA Tour winners.
The final field of 156 players includes past champions, top-ranked players from major tours worldwide, and qualifiers who earned their spots through regional and final qualifying events.
Course Spotlight: Royal Portrush
Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links presents a unique challenge in the Open Championship rotation.
The course features dramatic elevation changes, blind shots, and stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Originally designed by Old Tom Morris and later redesigned by H.S. Colt, the course recently underwent renovations by Martin Ebert, including two new holes that debuted in 2019.
Scottish Open as Final Tune-Up
The Genesis Scottish Open, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, serves as the final preparation event before The Open.
Both Scheffler and McIlroy headline the field at the Renaissance Club, with their performances likely to influence the betting odds heading into Royal Portrush.
Record Crowds Expected
The R&A anticipates record-breaking attendance at Royal Portrush, potentially surpassing the 237,750 fans who attended in 2019.
That figure set a record for The Open outside of St Andrews, highlighting the passionate golf fans of Northern Ireland.
Limited tickets remain available through the official resale platform, with hospitality packages offering the last opportunities to secure access to this historic championship.
Looking Ahead
As the golfing world turns its attention to Northern Ireland, the 153rd Open Championship promises to deliver all the drama and excitement befitting golf’s oldest major.
Will Scheffler claim his first Claret Jug? Can McIlroy conquer the pressure of playing at home? Or will another surprise winner emerge from the field?
All will be revealed when the world’s best golfers tackle the magnificent Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush this July.
