The final act of the 2025 major championship season is upon us, bringing the golfing world back to the historic links of Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for The Open Championship. This venerable venue, which last hosted The Open in 2019, is once again poised to test the mettle of the planet`s best players with its unique blend of punishing bunkers, undulating fairways, and unpredictable coastal weather. Following a major season that has already delivered dramatic victories – Rory McIlroy`s career Grand Slam at the Masters, Scottie Scheffler`s continued dominance at the PGA Championship, and J.J. Spaun`s unexpected triumph at the U.S. Open – the quest for the coveted Claret Jug promises a thrilling conclusion.
As players converge on the Causeway Coast, speculation swirls: whose game is best suited for the rigorous examination that Royal Portrush provides? Unlike the pristine, often predictable conditions of many inland courses, links golf demands creativity, resilience, and a healthy respect for the elements. Ball striking accuracy is paramount, short game inventiveness is essential, and the ability to manage trajectory in the wind is non-negotiable. Here`s a look at some of the key figures expected to contend for the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.
The World`s Elite: Setting the Pace
Leading the charge is, predictably, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. His sheer consistency is legendary, making him a threat on any course. However, links golf presents a different puzzle. While his domestic form is peerless, his Open record, though improving (T7 last year, T8 in 2021), shows less outright dominance than his other major performances. Finishing T8 at the recent Scottish Open suggests he`s tuning his game, but translating his powerful, often aerial game to the ground-game demands of Portrush remains his primary challenge. The Open title is the glaring gap in his burgeoning major collection.
Spaniard Jon Rahm arrives with quiet momentum. Often a picture of competitive intensity, Rahm`s game has been rounding into form, particularly in the bigger events (T14 Masters, contention at PGA and U.S. Open, T7 at Oakmont). His ability to grind and scramble, coupled with powerful ball-striking, makes him well-suited for links play when he`s on. Having finished T7 at the Open last year, he`s knocking on the door for that elusive Claret Jug that would solidify his place among Europe`s greats.
All eyes, however, will inevitably turn to Rory McIlroy. Returning to his home country, the narrative writes itself – especially after completing the career Grand Slam earlier this year. The memory of his 2019 Portrush Open, starting with an infamous out-of-bounds drive leading to a missed cut, adds a layer of dramatic irony and potential redemption. His T2 finish at the Scottish Open signals his game is sharpest since April. If he can channel the immense local support effectively and avoid the pressure cooker collapsing, this could finally be his year to reclaim the Open title on Irish soil.
Links Proven & Seeking Redemption
Shane Lowry, the triumphant champion from Royal Portrush in 2019, returns as a beloved figure. His commanding six-shot victory here was a masterclass in links golf and managing emotion. While his form since hasn`t consistently hit those major-winning peaks this year (two missed cuts), the familiar surroundings and fervent home crowd could easily ignite his game. Never underestimate the power of a happy return to the scene of a career-defining victory.
Another former champion, Collin Morikawa (2021), possesses the elite iron play and accuracy traditionally prized on links courses. When his putting cooperates (currently ranked 99th on Tour this season – historically his weaker link), he is a formidable opponent. His Open record is strong, and Portrush`s layout theoretically suits his precise ball-striking. He`ll need four solid putting rounds, which has been a challenge this season, but the potential is undeniable.
Tommy Fleetwood is perpetually discussed as a player whose game seems perfectly designed for The Open, yet a win remains elusive. His stellar ball-striking and comfort in windy conditions make him a perennial threat. While a missed cut last year was a setback, his previous strong Open finishes suggest he`s due. Could Portrush finally be the place he breaks through for that first major?
Wildcards and Emerging Threats
Bryson DeChambeau offers golf`s great experiment in how brute force meets links subtlety. His unique approach has yielded U.S. Open titles, but The Open has been hit-or-miss (mostly miss, with missed cuts outweighing his single top-10). Watching him strategize (or perhaps overpower) Portrush`s defenses will be fascinating – a potential triumph of engineering or a humbling lesson from Mother Nature.
Defending champion Xander Schauffele arrives having had a relatively quiet season compared to his two-major year in 2024. While his underlying statistics remain strong, consistency across all facets and multiple top finishes have been less frequent. His defining trait is his steadiness under pressure, which Portrush will demand in abundance if he is to replicate his Troon success.
J.J. Spaun, the man who shocked the world with his U.S. Open victory at Oakmont, faces the monumental task of making his Open debut right after winning a major. The journeyman Cinderella story is inspiring, but repeating that magic on the links is a tall order. Can the unexpected narrative continue?
Beyond the main cast, a host of dangerous players could emerge. Viktor Hovland remains one of golf`s most enigmatic talents – capable of stunning brilliance (contention at Oakmont) or frustrating inconsistency (missing cuts earlier this year). His space between ceiling and floor is vast, making him a true wildcard. Ludvig Åberg, the young phenom, seeks to recapture the early-season form that had everyone buzzing; his T8 at the Scottish a hopeful sign after missed cuts at the PGA and U.S. Open. Players whose accuracy is paramount, like Russell Henley, could thrive if the wind howls and fairways narrow. Home interest extends to Scotland`s Robert MacIntyre, comfortable in these conditions and coming off an impressive T4 at Oakmont. And the PGA Tour`s breakout star, Ben Griffin, brings winning form, though he`s yet to conquer the Open test.
The beauty of this event is the potential for any player, if they can master the unique demands of links golf and the inevitable chaos of coastal weather, to etch their name onto the Claret Jug. Royal Portrush stands ready. The stage is set for the final major drama of 2025. Who among these elite contenders, seasoned champions, and hopeful challengers will best navigate the demanding links, embrace the challenge, and emerge as the Champion Golfer of the Year? The unpredictable, captivating test of The Open Championship awaits.
