The Open Championship 2025

“I’m trying my a*** off.” Cameron Smith before The Open Championship.

Royal Portrush

The 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush is the third time the course has hosted the event. Its legacy as one of the most dramatic and scenic venues in the Open rota.

1951: was the first time The Open was held outside of Scotland or England. Max Faulkner won the Claret Jug, making history on the Dunluce Links.

2019: returning after a 68-year gap, Irishman Shane Lowry thrilled the home crowd with a six-shot victory.

2025: Royal Portrush welcomed the world’s best once again for the 153rd Open.  

Favorites

The Field is stacked with talent, but a few names stand out in the betting markets. Scotty Scheffler’s consistency makes him the statistical favorite, followed by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.

McIlroy comes into the Open in fine form following his strong showing at the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing second equal with Marco Penge behind Chris Gotterup.

Bookie Odds

Golfer	Odds (Approx.)	Notes
Scottie Scheffler	+450 to +600	World No. 1, dominant season with multiple wins including the PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy	+700 to +850	Playing in his home country, fresh off a Masters win
Jon Rahm	+1200 to +1400	Strong Open record, three top-10s in last four appearances
Tommy Fleetwood	+2500 to +2800	Runner-up at Portrush in 2019, consistent recent form
Xander Schauffele	+2500 to +2800	Defending champion, solid major track record
Tyrrell Hatton	+2800 to +3000	Links specialist, T6 at Portrush in 2019
Bryson DeChambeau	+2000 to +2800	Power game could be tested by Portrush’s layout
Viktor Hovland	+3000	Elite ball striker, trending upward
Shane Lowry	+3300 to +3500	Won here in 2019, local favorite

Notable Longshots Gaining Attention

• Justin Rose (66/1): Most backed by punters recently

• Robert MacIntyre (40/1): Scottish contender with strong links pedigree

• Sepp Straka (50/1): Top-10 at Scottish Open, trending well

Conclusion

It’s an exception for a course outside Great Britain to host The Open making Portrush’s inclusion all the more special. Picking a winner of any golf tournament full of the most talented professional golfers in the field is extremely difficult. Scottie Scheffler, who is still in his prime, is as strong a favorite as anyone. Good luck to all who enjoy the occasional flutter.