The Open 2025: Final Major of the Year Heads to Northern Ireland

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The prestigious Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland hosts the 153rd edition of the world's oldest golf major from July 17-20. The Open Championship 2025 promises a dramatic battle among the world's best players on challenging links courses, where weather plays as crucial a role as shot precision.

Royal Portrush: Legendary Venue

Royal Portrush hosts The Open for the third time after 1951 and 2019. The legendary links course in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, represents one of golf's toughest tests. The challenging natural terrain with harsh coastal winds and deep bunkers creates a unique challenge for the world's golf elite.

The last winner at Portrush was Shane Lowry in 2019, who utilized home support from Irish fans to triumph in dramatic conditions.

"Portrush represents one of golf's toughest tests. The combination of wind, rain, and technically demanding course creates the perfect storm for a dramatic major," say organizers from the R&A.

Tournament Format and Rules

The Open Championship 2025 is played in traditional stroke play format with 156 players in the field. The tournament runs over 72 holes divided into four rounds. After 36 holes, there's a cut where the top 70 players plus ties advance.

In case of a tie for first place after four rounds, a three-hole playoff follows, and if that doesn't decide the winner, sudden death format continues.

Qualifying series allowed participation for lesser-known players who can attempt a career-defining result at the prestigious major.

Prize Money

The total prize pool amounts to $17 million, making The Open Championship one of the best-funded golf tournaments in the world. The winner takes home $3.1 million along with the iconic Claret Jug trophy.

The top three players each receive more than $1 million, underlining the tournament's prestige and motivating players to exceptional performances.

Weather as Key Factor

Northern Ireland is renowned for its unpredictable weather, which can completely change the course's character during a single day. Strong winds can dramatically affect ball flight, while rain adds another level of difficulty.

Dramatically different conditions between morning and afternoon starts can decide the final standings. Players must demonstrate not only technical skills but also mental resilience when playing in challenging conditions.

Victory Candidates

Main favorites include defending champion Xander Schauffele, who will want to confirm his form from last year. Scottie Scheffler as world number one and dominant force in modern golf will want to add another major title to his collection.

Special attention will be focused on Rory McIlroy, who as a Northern Ireland native will have the advantage of home environment and local fan support. For him, a triumph at Portrush would mean fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Tradition and Prestige

The Open Championship is golf's oldest major tournament with rich tradition dating back to 1860. The Claret Jug as the winner's trophy ranks among the most respected prizes in the sporting world.

Victory in The Open Championship means not only financial reward but primarily a place in golf history and recognition as one of the best players of their generation.

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The Open Championship 2025 takes place from July 17-20 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

More information: 24live.com
Thank you to Stats Perform for providing the data and photographs.
Photo source: The Golfing Gazette