The stage is set for the fourth and final major of the year as the golfing world turns its attention to the north of the Emerald Isle for the 2025 Open Championship. After a six-year hiatus, the tournament returns to the stunning links of Royal Portrush — a fitting venue to conclude this year’s major season. We’ll be approaching the event from a betting perspective, highlighting four players to take on the bookmakers.
Royal Port Rush
Royal Portrush is home to two courses, with the world-renowned Dunluce Links playing host to this year’s Open Championship. A pure and traditional links test, the Dunluce is perched along the rugged Antrim coastline and is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the world.
Designed by Harry Colt and most recently updated by Martin Ebert ahead of the 2019 Open, the layout demands precision and imagination. The course measures just over 7,300 yards (6,675 metres) and plays as a par 71, with narrow, rolling fairways that average only 27 yards (25 metres) in width. Any missed tee shot can quickly be punished, with thick rough and unforgiving gorse just a few yards (metres) off the fairway in many places.
Pot bunkers are scattered in all the right (or wrong) places, and elevation changes throughout the course make club selection and trajectory control critical. The exposed nature of the course means wind will likely be a major factor, further emphasising the importance of experience and links pedigree.
Key holes to watch include:
- The 5th (White Rocks): A picturesque par 4 that doglegs right toward the sea, demanding a perfectly placed tee shot.
- The 16th (Calamity Corner): A brutally difficult par 3 playing over a deep chasm, often into the wind, with little room for error.
Driving accuracy, creative shot-making, and world-class course management will be essential for any player hoping to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday.
Weather Forecast – subject to change
Thursday: Cloudy with light afternoon rain and mild temperatures; moderate coastal winds may affect shot shaping.
Friday: Overcast with morning showers and intermittent drizzle; steady winds could challenge approach play.
Saturday: Cloudy throughout with occasional light rain; breezy conditions expected across the exposed links.
Sunday: Partly sunny with a chance of isolated afternoon showers; shifting winds may play a key role in the final round.
Past Winners
2024 Xander Schauffele (United States) -9 Royal Troon
2023 Brian Harman (United States) -13 Royal Liverpool
2022 Cameron Smith (Australia) -20 St Andrews
2021 Collin Morikawa (United States) -15 Royal St George’s
2020 Cancelled due to covid
2019 Shane Lowry (Ireland) -15 Royal Portrush
Heading into the week, world number one Scottie Scheffler tops the betting boards at 5.50, with Rory McIlroy priced at 8.00 following his runner-up finish last weekend. Jon Rahm is next in line at 13.00, while Bryson DeChambeau, always a wildcard in links conditions, sits at 21.00.
Betting (Open Championship 2025) – Click here to bet
Scottie Scheffler 5.50
Rory McIlroy 8.00
Jon Rahm 13.00
Bryson Dechambeau 21.00
Xander Schauffele 26.00
Ludvig åberg 29.00
Tommy Fleetwood 29.00
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SELECTIONS:
Shane Lowry at 34.00
Shane Lowry returns to the scene of his greatest triumph — Royal Portrush — where he famously lifted the Claret Jug in 2019, cheered on by thousands of passionate home fans. He’s taken a few weeks off the tour to return to Ireland and fine-tune his game for this special occasion. A true links specialist, Lowry honed his craft on traditional coastal courses, and few in the field are more comfortable in these conditions. Don’t be surprised if he makes a serious run at repeating history this weekend.
Shane Lowry each way at 34.00.
Jon Rahm at 13.00
Jon Rahm is a player who consistently performs well at The Open, thanks to his accuracy off the tee and exceptional course management — traits that serve him well on demanding links layouts. He’s finished in the top ten in three of his last four Open appearances, with his best result being a runner-up finish at Royal Liverpool in 2023. Rahm also arrives at Portrush in solid form, having finished second in his most recent LIV event, making him a serious contender this week.
Jon Rahm each way at 13.00
Harry Hall at 111.00
Harry Hall arrives at Royal Portrush flying under the radar, but he’s very much a threat. The Englishman has quietly put together an impressive run on the PGA Tour, finishing 24th or better in each of his last seven starts — including two top-10 finishes. Even more impressive, he leads the Tour in average putts per round, a stat that could prove decisive on the tricky greens of a demanding links like Portrush. Hall made a strong start at the Scottish Open last week but couldn’t quite maintain momentum over the weekend. If he can piece together four solid rounds here, don’t be surprised if he finds himself in contention — or even lifting the Claret Jug.
Harry Hall each way at 111.0.
Cameron Smith at 111.00
Smith has disappointed in all 3 majors by missing the cut. The move to LIV has clearly impacted him negatively but he is showing some form and was 7th last week and he is a proven Links player.
I refuse to write him off and am backing him to return to form.
Cameron Smith each way at 111.00
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