The final major championship of the 2025 season has arrived, bringing the world`s best golfers to the storied links of Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Following a major season that has already delivered significant drama – World No. 2 Rory McIlroy completing his career Grand Slam at Augusta, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler adding another major title at the PGA Championship, and J.J. Spaun providing a compelling underdog narrative with his U.S. Open victory at Oakmont – the stage is set for a fitting conclusion to the year`s premier events.
Royal Portrush, returning as host for the first time since Shane Lowry`s triumphant homecoming in 2019, promises the unique test that defines Open Championship golf. The unpredictable elements, the strategic demands of links architecture, and the need for creative shot-making will challenge every facet of a player`s game. As the field prepares to tackle the Dunluce Links, the question on everyone`s mind is: who is best equipped to navigate the challenges and hoist the coveted Claret Jug on Sunday?
The Frontrunners: Dominance Meets Links Challenge
Leading the conversation, as is customary, is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. His consistent excellence is unmatched in the modern game, making him a threat in any event. Yet, his Open Championship record, while solid with a couple of top-10s, hasn`t quite mirrored his dominance in the U.S. majors. His recent tie for eighth at the Scottish Open suggests he`s getting accustomed to overseas conditions, but translating his often overpowering game to the nuances of links golf remains the intriguing variable. One expects him to contend; the question is whether Portrush will finally be the venue for his Open breakthrough.
Equally compelling is the narrative surrounding World No. 2 Rory McIlroy. His Masters victory this year cemented his place among the greats, but the return to Royal Portrush carries particular weight. The 2019 Open here ended abruptly for him with a missed cut after an opening tee shot out of bounds – an anticlimactic moment he surely seeks to rectify. Having achieved the career Grand Slam, perhaps the pressure is different now, allowing him to play with more freedom on home soil. His strong tie for second at the Scottish Open indicates his game is sharp and the emotional spark for this event is very much present.
Spain`s Jon Rahm has been steadily building momentum throughout the major season. After a quiet Masters by his standards, he was firmly in contention at the PGA Championship and ground out another strong finish at the U.S. Open. Rahm`s fiery competitiveness and ability to adapt make him a natural fit for the Open`s demands. As a prominent European star, adding the Claret Jug to his major collection feels like a historical inevitability he is increasingly poised to fulfill.
Homecoming Hero and Links Specialists
No discussion of Portrush would be complete without acknowledging the defending champion of this venue, Shane Lowry. His six-shot victory in 2019, fueled by immense crowd support, was a defining moment. While his major form this year hasn`t been sparkling, the return to the scene of his greatest triumph, surrounded by supportive fans, could easily ignite something special. The value of emotional momentum in golf, particularly at the Open, should not be underestimated, and Lowry will have it in abundance.
Certain players possess games seemingly tailor-made for links golf. Collin Morikawa, a past Open champion (2021 at Royal St. George`s), is among the world`s elite ball-strikers. His precision with irons and accuracy off the tee should theoretically excel at Portrush, where finding the right parts of the fairway and greens is paramount. His putting has sometimes held him back, but if the putter cooperates, his ball-striking prowess could put him firmly in the mix.
Similarly, England`s Tommy Fleetwood appears perpetually on the verge of a major breakthrough, especially at the Open. His elite ball-striking and creativity are well-suited for these conditions. He`s had strong Open performances in the past, and this year at Portrush could finally be his moment to convert potential into victory.
Ball-striking consistency is also the calling card for players like Russell Henley and Corey Conners. In conditions where brute driving distance is less critical than finding fairways and greens, their strengths come to the fore. Henley had a strong Open showing last year, and Conners fits the mold of a precise player who could potentially grind out a win, much like past unexpected Open champions who simply kept the ball in front of them.
Intrigue, Volatility, and the Underdog Story
Then there are the players whose performance levels can fluctuate dramatically, adding layers of intrigue. Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time U.S. Open champion, presents a fascinating case study at the Open. His analytical, power-driven approach is a stark contrast to traditional links golf strategy. He`s missed cuts here but also posted a top-10. Watching him attempt to impose his game on Portrush`s ancient dunes promises high drama, whether it results in brilliance or frustration (or both). It`s worth the price of admission just to see which version shows up.
Viktor Hovland also falls into the volatile category. Capable of world-beating golf, as shown by his third-place finish at the U.S. Open, he can also experience surprising dips in form. His self-confessed tinkering with his swing adds to the unpredictability. If he finds the right `feel` (a phrase often heard from him), he has the talent to win. If not, an early exit is equally possible.
Fresh off his stunning U.S. Open win, J.J. Spaun arrives at Portrush making his Open debut. Like Wyndham Clark before him, Spaun`s victory changes his career trajectory. Can the Cinderella story continue on foreign soil against a different style of test? It`s a big ask, but the confidence from a major win is a powerful force.
Other notable contenders include the defending Open champion (overall, from Troon) Xander Schauffele, who has had a relatively quiet year but possesses the steady game needed for links golf; rising star Ludvig Åberg, looking to rebound from a recent slump and build on his Masters top-10; and the perennially passionate Tyrrell Hatton, whose improved major performances will face a stern test against Portrush`s potential for demanding patience.
Players like Justin Thomas will look to improve on mixed Open records (though Portrush was the site of his best Open finish in 2019), while veterans such as Justin Rose (a runner-up last year) and Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama cannot be discounted if their games click. LIV stars like Joaquín Niemann (dominant on LIV, but needs to prove it consistently in majors) and Brooks Koepka (form currently uncertain) add further complexity to the field.
The Unpredictable Conclusion to the Major Season
The Open Championship, perhaps more than any other major, is susceptible to the whims of weather and the bounces of the linksland. This inherent unpredictability, however, is precisely what makes it so captivating. As the world`s best gather at Royal Portrush, the stage is set not just for a test of skill, but a test of nerve, adaptability, and perseverance. Who will master the elements and etch their name onto the base of the historic Claret Jug? The final major of 2025 promises a compelling answer.
