Could These Open Debutants Challenge at Royal Portrush
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 14 Jul 2025
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A number of golfers will be making their Open Championship debuts at Royal Portrush. It is a dream come true as they prepare to take part in the sport’s oldest major.
Here, we look at some of the first-timers. Most will be happy to make the cut but there are those who will be hoping for a bit more.
Chris Gotterup
Was not in the field when he teed it up at the Scottish Open on Thursday but his wonderful performance on the links there got him in and surely makes him a genuine contender. Prediction: Top 25.
Kristoffer Reitan
The 27-year-old Norwegian has been making sensational scores on the DP World Tour for fun. Hits the ball a long way and is simply sensational on the greens. Could be a contender this week. Prediction: Top 25.
Oliver Lindell
A 26-year-old who was Finland’s junior golfer of the year three times in a row and represented his country at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics - but this is a huge step up for him. Prediction: Missed Cut.
Richard Teder
Will be the first Estonian to compete at The Open, earning his spot in dramatic fashion with a hole-out eagle on the first playoff hole during qualifying at West Lancs. Was fifth at The Amateur Championship. Prediction: Missed Cut.
Curtis Luck
Much was expected of the Australian after he won the US Amateur Championship in 2017 but it has been a struggle. Qualified for The Open after finishing second at the Australian Open in December. Prediction: Missed Cut.
Martin Couvra
Just missed out on a second DP World Tour victory of the season at the Italian Open, but his performance was good enough to secure a first major championship start at Royal Portrush for the 22-year-old from Cannes. Prediction: Top 25.
Harry Hall
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Englishman making his first appearance in The Open after back-to-back 67s gave him joint-second spot at Final Qualifying at Burnham & Berrow. Is a two-time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour and last year won the ISCO Championship. Prediction: Top 10.
Andrew Novak
Andrew Novak makes his Open debut - only the fourth major of his career - less than three months after he teamed up with Ben Griffin to capture the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. A big hitter with an excellent touch on the greens. Prediction: Missed Cut.
Jesper Sandborg
Has never attempted to qualify for a major before but came through qualifying at Dundonald. A 32-year-old Swede, he plays on the Challenge Tour and said: "I have been struggling and I cannot even describe how it will feel to play in The Open." Prediction: Missed Cut.
Connor Graham
A fabulous teenage prospect who also came through final qualifying. Has been outstanding on the college circuit in 2025 and topped The Amateur Championship stroke play standings for a second consecutive year. Prediction: Missed Cut.
George Bloor
Was the leading player on the Clutch Tour order of merit in 2023, graduating to the HotelPlanner Tour. He said: "It’s a childhood dream to play at Royal Portrush. I am counting down the days." Prediction: Missed Cut.
Sebastian Cave
Cave is a teenager who qualified at Royal Cinque Ports. He attends the University of North Carolina and has a stroke average this season of 70.67. From Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, he made his first hole in one at the age of seven! Prediction: Missed Cut.
Frazer Jones
Jones, 19, is from Kirby Muxloe and has just finished his second year at UNC Charlotte. He came through qualifying at Burnham and Berrow, has represented England and will have his father on the bag. Prediction: Missed Cut.
Nathan Kimsey
The 32-year-old shot six under over two rounds at Royal Cinque Ports and later said: "I am in disbelief. I have watched so many Opens and to know I am finally going to be playing in one is just surreal." Prediction: Missed Cut.
Niklas Norgaard
Open debut at the age of 33 for the big-hitting Norgaard, who in September landed his first DP World Tour title in the British Masters at The Belfry. Could surprise a few people this week Prediction: Top 50.
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