Biggest Stories to Follow at The Open 2025
By: Fin Tait | Edited: Fri 01 Aug 2025
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The fourth and final men's major weekend of the season is upon us and as always there are some major storylines to keep your eyes on throughout the championship. From homecoming fairytales to grand slam potentials, here are our top stories for this year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The Course Itself
Located on the scenic coastline of Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush is our pristine destination for this year's Open Championship. To set the perfect scene, this area was often used throughout the filming of Game of Thrones. The dramatic landscape of this coastline will bring an extra touch of flavour to this weekend's intense golf.
In terms of difficulty, Portrush is no different than any other links golf course. Major undulation throughout the course, tiered greens that are not easy to hit and some brutally long carries - and that's before we consider the adverse weather conditions.
The course was last used for the Open in 2019, where Irishman Shane Lowry claimed victory over the wind and rain that was so present across a challenging weekend of golf. Could Lowry retain his champion status at Portrush this weekend?
Rory McIlroy's Homecoming
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Everybody loves to see a golfer win on home soil and Rory’s return to Portrush has been a talking point all season. I'm sure we are all well aware of how Rory claimed the course record at Portrush at the age of just 16, with a gut punching score of 61.
Since completing the career grand slam at Augusta earlier on in the season, Rory has spoken about the struggles of finding motivation to keep pushing further. However, an Open Championship on home soil should be plenty to get him firing. He has already spoken on how different the course is from the Portrush he conquered at 16, but will these changes affect Rory's ability to claim the Claret Jug for the second time?
US Struggles
It's often said that some US players aren't so keen towards classic links golf conditions. Be it the overly adverse weather conditions, or the major unpredictability of the course itself. In 2019 only five US players managed to crack inside the top 20. With Ryder Cup selections quickly approaching it is imperative that all hopeful players get as high up the leaderboards as possible.
The English Drought
The last time the Claret Jug was won by an Englishman was way back in 1992 when Nick Faldo claimed his third Open title at Muirfield in Scotland. Could this be the year that all changes, however? Justin Rose finished second place at the Open 12 months ago, partnered with his bitterly tight runner up finish at Augusta earlier on this season, it is clear that Rose fancies his second major title. Matt Fitzpatrick has also re-found elements of his previous form ahead of this weekend's outing. But the top English name has to go to Tyrrell Hatton. Yet to claim his maiden major trophy, this year's Open provides him with the perfect the opportunity. His iron striking ability is well fitted to the course and he has held solid form throughout the year so far. Could this be the weekend we see this major English drought brought to an end once and for all?
Those are some of our top storylines as we head into the final major of the season. It is all set up to be a perfect weekend of top-class golf at a world-class venue. Who do you think will walk away with the Claret Jug this year?
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Tags: The Open Championship The Open Royal Portrush
