The final chapter of the 2025 major championship season is upon us, a moment marked by the return of golf`s oldest and most revered tournament to the hallowed grounds of Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Five years after its triumphant return in 2019, the Dunluce Links once again stands ready to challenge the world`s best, promising a stern, perhaps even capricious, test of skill, strategy, and nerve.
This year`s major landscape has already delivered compelling narratives. We witnessed World No. 2 Rory McIlroy finally complete his career Grand Slam with a memorable victory at the Masters. The seemingly unstoppable force, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, added another major title to his rapidly growing collection at the PGA Championship. And in a story that captivated the golf world last month, J.J. Spaun emerged from a crowded field to conquer Oakmont and claim the U.S. Open.
Now, these champions, along with the global golfing elite, gather by the Irish Sea, each vying to etch their name onto the most iconic trophy in the sport: the Claret Jug. Royal Portrush, a venue steeped in history and defined by the raw, natural contours of the linksland, demands a unique approach. Forget soft fairways and predictable bounces; here, the wind is a constant companion, the ground is firm and fast, and creativity is often rewarded over brute force. Mastering the links requires patience, adaptability, and a healthy respect for the elements.
Considering the form of the top players, their history on links courses, and their individual narratives heading into the week, a clearer picture emerges of who might navigate the Portrush challenge successfully. Scottie Scheffler arrives as the consensus best player on the planet, a title earned through relentless consistency and major victories. The question remains whether his dominant game, built largely on American parkland courses, can fully translate to the nuances of true links golf. His Open record, while solid, hasn`t quite matched his performances elsewhere, offering a glimmer of hope to his competitors – a rare scenario indeed.
For European golf fans, the spotlight inevitably falls on Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. McIlroy, the local hero and newly minted career Grand Slam winner, returns to the site of a disappointing missed cut in 2019. The emotional weight of playing in his home country is immense, and recent form, including a strong showing at the Scottish Open, suggests his game is sharp. The narrative practically writes itself – can he finally claim a second Open title on Northern Irish soil? Shane Lowry, the champion of 2019, understands the unique energy of winning at Portrush better than anyone. While his major record since that triumph has been mixed, returning to the scene of his greatest victory could provide the spark needed to contend again.
Other formidable Europeans arrive with strong claims. Jon Rahm has been steadily building towards a major breakthrough in 2025, demonstrating impressive resilience and competitive fire in recent events. His powerful, yet adaptable, game seems well-suited to links golf. Viktor Hovland remains golf`s intriguing enigma – capable of breathtaking brilliance (like his recent US Open contention) interspersed with surprising struggles. Predicting his performance at Portrush is a delightful exercise in futility. Tommy Fleetwood, with his renowned ball-striking prowess, has long felt like an Open champion in waiting. The links environment should theoretically play to his strengths, and he`ll be eager to improve upon past near-misses.
Among the Americans, the defending champion, Xander Schauffele, commands respect, though his 2025 season has been relatively quiet following injury. His reputation for steadiness will be a valuable asset at Portrush. Collin Morikawa, a past Open champion himself, possesses iron play precision that could dissect the course, provided his often-maligned putting holds up. Bryson DeChambeau remains the ultimate links wildcard; watching his powerful, analytical approach grapple with the unpredictable bounces and demanding angles of Portrush is worth the price of admission alone. Russell Henley`s exceptional accuracy off the tee and with irons also makes him a player to watch on a course that prioritizes position over raw power.
The 2025 season has also highlighted players who could seize their moment. J.J. Spaun, fresh off his maiden major win, faces the challenge of translating that success to an Open debut. Players like Ben Griffin and Keegan Bradley have enjoyed breakout seasons on tour and are seeking validation on the major stage. Even veterans like Justin Rose, who came agonizingly close last year, or the ever-unpredictable Jordan Spieth, could find magic on the Dunluce Links.
Ultimately, the Open Championship at Royal Portrush is less about predicting the likely winner and more about anticipating the unfolding drama. Links golf has a unique ability to elevate the inspired and humble the mighty. The champion golfer of the year will be the one who best dances with the wind, embraces the unpredictable bounces, and finds the fortitude to overcome the inevitable setbacks that this historic course will undoubtedly present.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood