The Open is one of the most anticipated events in the UK golfing calendar, and 2025 will be no different.. The world’s best players will descend on the stunning links of Royal Portrush. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, this guide will give you everything you need to know about the venue, the contenders, and what makes this championship so iconic.
Where is The Open 2025 Being Held?
The 153rd Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club, perched on the dramatic County Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland. This world-class links course is just over an hour from Belfast and Derry (Londonderry), a vibrant walled city rich in history and culture. Nearby towns like Coleraine, Bushmills, and the iconic Giant’s Causeway add to the charm of the region.
Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links is a true links masterpiece, shaped by the land, the wind, and the sea. With towering dunes, tight fairways, and unpredictable coastal breezes, it offers a raw and authentic golfing challenge. It’s a place where nature dictates the play, and only the most adaptable golfers with a wide array of shots will thrive.
When is The Open 2025?
The Open 2025 will take place from Thursday 17th July to Sunday 20th July, marking the return of the championship to Royal Portrush for the first time since 2019. This mid-July slot is a highlight of the golfing calendar, drawing fans from around the world to witness the drama unfold on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
Why Royal Portrush is So Special?
Royal Portrush is more than just a venue—it’s a symbol of The Open’s global reach and historic roots. It first hosted the championship in 1951, becoming the first course outside mainland Great Britain to do so. After a long absence, it returned in 2019, and what a return it was.
That year, Shane Lowry captured the hearts of fans with a stunning six-shot victory, cheered on by a passionate home crowd. The atmosphere was electric, the golf unforgettable. Portrush proved it belonged on the Open rota—not just for its challenge, but for its soul.
Reliving Xander Schauffele’s 2024 Triumph at Royal Troon
The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon delivered drama, grit, and a champion who rose to the occasion. Xander Schauffele, already riding high from his PGA Championship win earlier in the year, arrived in Scotland with confidence—and left with the Claret Jug.
Starting the final round one shot off the lead, Schauffele faced a classic links test: swirling winds, firm fairways, and the ever-present threat of disaster. But he was unflappable. A birdie on the 6th sparked his charge, and as others stumbled, he stayed steady. His approach shots were clinical, and his putting was flawless under pressure.
The defining moment came on the 15th, where a bold birdie gave him the outright lead. From there, he held his nerve, navigating the final holes with calm precision. A perfect drive on 18 and a composed two-putt sealed a one-shot victory. It was a performance that blended modern power with traditional links mastery.
Who Are the Contenders in 2025?
With Schauffele defending his title and Rory McIlroy eyeing a storybook win on home soil, the 2025 Open is shaping up to be a classic. McIlroy, still chasing another Claret Jug and with seven top-10 finishes at The Open, will have a vociferous home crowd behind him, he could well go in as the favourite. Schauffele, now a two-time major winner, has shown he can handle the pressure. And with Scheffler finding form, could the winner come from these three elite contenders?
But don’t overlook Justin Rose, whose experience and touch make him a threat on links courses, or Shane Lowry, who knows exactly what it takes to win here. Tommy Fleetwood also joins the list of players with four top-10 finishes at The Open, proof that he has the shot-making skills to master a links course.
The Open often rewards the bold and the patient—expect surprises, drama, and a leader board full of world-class talent.
What Makes The Open So Unique?
The Open isn’t just another major—it’s the oldest and most prestigious in the game. Played on true links courses, it offers a test unlike any other: wind, weather (often rain), firm turf, and the need for creativity over brute strength. It’s golf in its purest form.
As the final major of the year, it often serves as a dramatic conclusion to the season. Legends are made here, and careers are defined. From the roars of the crowd to the silence before a crucial putt, The Open delivers moments that live forever.
Where is The Open Going Next?
After Portrush, The Open continues its rotation through the game’s most historic venues:
2026 – Royal Birkdale, England: A favourite among players for its fairness and beauty.
2027 – St Andrews, Scotland: The Home of Golf, where history and legacy meet.
2028 – Yet to be confirmed, but likely to return to a classic venue like Muirfield or Royal Lytham & St Annes
Each course brings its own character, but the spirit of The Open remains the same—timeless, challenging, and unforgettable.
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