
The Open Championship 2025

Contents
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What Is The Open Championship 2025?
The Open Championship is the oldest and most revered golf tournament in the world, and it’s a contest that embodies the unpredictable nature of true links golf. First played in 1860, it has become one of the sport’s great annual events, where major titles are earned not just by driving power, but by patience and nerve.
Staged on a rotation of historic UK courses, The Open is known for punishing layouts, deep bunkers, and conditions that can change everything in a single round. This is golf stripped back to its roots, with no frills or shortcuts. At its essence, it’s a test of who’s able to handle whatever the course and weather decide to throw at them.
A total of 156 players qualify each year, typically including past champions, PGA Tour winners and local amateurs. The one who outlasts the field will claim one of golf’s most iconic prizes, a huge winner’s purse, and a place in the history books as Champion Golfer of the Year.
Where and When Will the Open Championship 2025 Be Held?
The 153rd Open Championship runs from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, returning to Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This marks only the third time The Open has been held at Portrush, with the last coming in 2019 when Shane Lowry triumphed in front of a roaring home crowd.
Set against the Atlantic coast, the Dunluce Links course is famed for its narrow fairways, unpredictable winds, and deep bunkers that punish even the smallest of mistakes. It’s terrain that demands creativity and mental calmness, as any round can unravel in a moment.
Spectators in attendance will be treated to dramatic views and world-class facilities throughout the tournament grounds, as well enjoying venue highlights like:
- Grandstands with views of key greens and tee boxes
- Walking paths offering panoramic views of the coastline
- On-site hospitality suites, food courts, and public bars
- Dedicated fan zones and practice areas with player access
- The Open Shop and vendor areas for official merchandise
Broadcast live to more than 150 countries, The Open at Portrush promises a rare and unforgettable week of championship golf, both for those on the ground and millions watching around the world.
Prize Money Breakdown
As one of the four men’s majors, The Open Championship offers serious financial reward. The total purse for 2025 is expected to exceed last year’s figure, which stood at $17 million, placing it among the most lucrative tournaments in the sport.
Most of the prize pool goes to the top finishers, with the winner receiving around $3 million, along with exemptions to future majors and automatic entry into The Open for the next decade. While the precise breakdown for 2025 has not yet been confirmed by The R&A, it typically follows a set distribution across the top 70 finishers and ties.
Finishing Position | Estimated Prize Money |
1st Place | $3,000,000 |
2nd Place | $1,708,000 |
3rd Place | $1,095,000 |
4th Place | $851,000 |
5th Place | $684,500 |
Even those who don’t make the final pairing still have plenty to play for. With payouts extending to the top 70 and ties, a solid week at The Open can mean a life-changing cheque, especially for lesser-known players or first-time qualifiers chasing their big breakthrough.
Who’s Playing in The Open Championship 2025?
As the countdown to Royal Portrush continues, the field for The Open Championship is beginning to take shape. Automatic qualifiers and past champions are already locked in, while final spots will be filled through regional qualifying and the Open Qualifying Series.
With the Claret Jug on the line, you can expect the world’s best to bring their A-game to Northern Ireland. Here are some of the standout names expected to tee it up this July:
- Xander Schauffele – The reigning Open Champion and 2024 PGA winner, bringing serious momentum and all-around game.
- Rory McIlroy – A home favourite and 2014 Open champion, still chasing another major and hungry to win on Northern Irish soil.
- Scottie Scheffler – Current World No. 1 and the model of consistency, with two major titles and a game built for tough conditions.
- Jon Rahm – The 2021 U.S. Open winner, known for his power, precision, and fiery competitiveness, especially on links courses.
- Viktor Hovland – Europe’s rising star with multiple PGA Tour wins and a solid Open track record.
- Brian Harman – Defending champion, returning to prove his victory at Royal Liverpool was no fluke.
Alongside them, expect strong challenges from Open veterans like Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, as well as up-and-coming players breaking through the rankings.Final field announcements, tee times, and groupings will be confirmed during tournament week.
Tournament Format & Structure
The Open Championship follows a classic four-day stroke play format that has stood the test of time. With 156 of the world’s best players competing, every shot matters from the opening tee to the final putt on Sunday evening.
Round 1 & 2 – The Cut Line Pressure
All players begin on Thursday and Friday, playing one round per day. After 36 holes have been played, the field is cut to the top 70 players (and ties). This early phase is where consistency and control are critical, particularly if the weather on the day is challenging.
Round 3 – Moving Day
Saturday is when the tournament really begins to get going. Known as ‘moving day’, Round 3 gives players the chance to climb the leaderboard (or fall away). Much will depend on how each player is able to handle the pressure.
Round 4 – Championship Sunday
The final round on Sunday determines who lifts the Claret Jug. Tee times are staggered based on scores, with the leaders going out last. The final holes, especially on a links course like Royal Portrush, can test even the most seasoned pros.
Should there be a tie after 72 holes, The Open uses a three-hole aggregate playoff, followed by sudden death if still level, to crown the winner.
Who Will Win the 2025 Open Championship?
With 156 elite players and the challenges of Royal Portrush to navigate, predicting the next Champion Golfer of the Year is far from straightforward. But based on current form, recent majors, and past Open performances, here are four golfers worth watching:
Player | Rory McIlroy | Xander Schauffele | Jon Rahm | Viktor Hovland |
Why He Might Win |
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Why He Might Not |
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