Is the stage set for a joyous Rory McIlroy homecoming at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush?
2025 has been all about Rory McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy achieved golfing immortality at the Masters at Augusta back in April, becoming only the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam in the history of the game.
Having had to wait over a decade to finally secure the previously elusive Masters title, McIlroy has been basking in the glory of joining the all-time golfing elite.
Tour appearances in India and Australia have been announced for later in the season and he has cemented himself as part of a clear top two in the world rankings, alongside the irrepressible Scottie Scheffler.
As is so often the case, the sporting Gods look to have continued to align for McIlroy, with the next major of 2025 taking place in his homeland at Royal Portrush, which will host the Open Championship.
Narrative arcs are inevitably being formed by punters and UK golf bookmakers, as the prospect of the Northern Irishman tasting further major success, in front of his adorning home fans, comes into view.
It promises to be a memorable Open Championship in County Antrim from 17th-20th July, as the tournament is staged outside of England or Scotland for only the third time in its 153-year history.
Local knowledge
When Portrush last hosted the Open back in 2019, there was plenty of hype around McIlroy in his home country, but he couldn’t manage to deliver.
His struggles began from the outset, and he missed the cut, as good friend and European Ryder Cup team-mate Shane Lowry romped home, sparking wild celebrations across Ireland.
Six years on however, McIlroy appears to have an increased sense of resilience and buoyed by his Grand Slam completion earlier in the year, he comes in as the man to beat this time around.
As a junior, McIlroy came through the ranks at Holywood Golf Club, a few miles away from Portrush but he knows the nooks and crannies of this course, an advantage he will hold over the field.
2019 winner Shane Lowry is another in that camp, having played plenty of golf on the links at Portrush over the years, while the likes of Tom McKibbin and Graeme McDowell will benefit from their local knowledge here at Portrush.
Challengers
Fresh off the back of a chaotic US Open at Oakmont, where JJ Spaun held his nerve to clinch his maiden major title, there are plenty of contenders coming to the fore here in County Antrim.
While Spaun picked up his first major, all eyes are sure to be on how Scottie Scheffler deals with the links in Northern Ireland – as he chases a fourth major title.
The world number one has become metronomic on the PGA Tour and secured his best ever finish at the Open in 2024 – ending the four days in seventh place.
Spaniard Jon Rahm cuts his teeth on the LIV Golf Series these days but has a game capable of tearing up any course on his day, as he seeks a third major title, while defending champion Xander Schauffele loves the links in the UK.
Outside of McIlroy, British hopes appear to lie with Tommy Fleetwood, who is still looking for a first major crown and Robert MacIntyre – who missed out agonisingly at the US Open last week and who is really coming of age on the PGA Tour.
Whatever happens, it’s sure to be a week of celebration for McIlroy with the Open Championship in his homeland and he will be looking for his fairytale 2025 to continue.
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