The calm, windswept coastline of Portrush, Northern Ireland, is once again awakening to the echo of swinging irons, thudding drives, and the anticipation of history in the making. With less than a month to go, The Open Championship 2025—the 153rd edition of golf’s oldest major—is already turning this seaside town into the epicenter of global golfing attention.
This year, Royal Portrush Golf Club, a majestic links course renowned for its beauty and complexity, plays host once more to the iconic event, and excitement is bubbling across fans, players, and locals alike. As players prepare to compete for the coveted Claret Jug, “golf fever” has truly taken hold in Portrush, and the world watches as this town prepares for one of the biggest weeks in its sporting history.
Here’s a full look into the build-up, expectations, past glory, and everything else that makes The Open 2025 a must-watch tournament—and Portrush, a town in the spotlight.
🏌️♂️ A Tournament Steeped in Tradition
The Open Championship—commonly referred to simply as “The Open”—is the oldest of golf’s four major championships, first played in 1860. It is not just a tournament; it’s a test of legacy, grit, and adaptability on some of the world’s most unforgiving yet breathtaking courses.
Held annually in the UK and rotated among a select group of links courses, The Open has seen legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Tom Watson carve their names into golfing folklore. In 2025, the honour and pressure of hosting falls once more to Royal Portrush, the only venue outside mainland Britain in the current rotation.
📍 Portrush: A Coastal Gem Reclaims the Spotlight
Located on the Antrim coast, Portrush is a quaint resort town known for its scenic beaches, surf culture, and of course, its championship golf. After the roaring success of The Open in 2019, where Shane Lowry clinched a spectacular victory amid roaring crowds, Portrush earned high praise for its hospitality, infrastructure, and passion for the game.
Now, six years later, it welcomes back the world stage with more experience, excitement, and preparation than ever before.
What’s New in Portrush 2025?
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Improved transport access with additional rail and bus services for spectators
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Expanded fan zones with big screens, food markets, and live entertainment
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A refurbished Royal Portrush Clubhouse with sustainability-focused upgrades
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Enhanced media village and broadcasting capabilities for global coverage
With thousands of international visitors expected and millions watching from home, the town is ready to deliver an unforgettable championship.
🗓️ Key Dates and Format
The Open 2025 will be held from July 17 to July 20, 2025. Here’s how the event week unfolds:
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 13-15 | Practice Rounds | Open to ticket holders |
| July 16 | Final Preparations / Opening | Press events, course inspection |
| July 17–20 | Tournament Days | 4 Rounds of 18 holes each |
| July 20 | Champion Crowned | Prize Ceremony & Claret Jug |
The field will include 156 players, with the top 70 and ties making the cut after the second round.
🧾 The Course: Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links
The Dunluce Links, the championship course at Royal Portrush, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in the Open rotation. Redesigned by Harry Colt in the 1930s and updated for modern play in the 2010s, the course offers:
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Wind-swept fairways and deep pot bunkers
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Stunning sea views and unpredictable gusts
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Signature holes like the 5th (White Rocks) and the 16th (Calamity Corner)
Par is set at 71, and the layout stretches to approximately 7,337 yards. While visually stunning, the course will test every element of a golfer’s game—from technical skill and club selection to mental composure and adaptability.
🔍 Contenders to Watch
🏆 Rory McIlroy
The Northern Ireland native will return to Portrush with unfinished business after missing the cut in 2019. With renewed form and crowd backing, Rory will be a favorite to lift the Claret Jug in front of a home audience.
🏆 Scottie Scheffler
World number one and known for his consistency and composure, Scheffler has all the tools to win an Open. His control over trajectory and mental toughness are key weapons in links golf.
🏆 Viktor Hovland
The Norwegian’s aggressive playstyle and strong iron game have helped him contend in recent majors. Hovland could well be a dark horse at Portrush.
🏆 Shane Lowry
The 2019 champion returns to the scene of his career-defining victory. Lowry knows the terrain, the weather, and the pressure, making him a sentimental favorite.
🏆 Ludvig Åberg / Collin Morikawa / Jon Rahm
A fresh wave of talent and young champions will also be in the hunt, making 2025 one of the most open and unpredictable fields in years.
🌎 Global and Local Anticipation
Ticket sales have broken records, with over 250,000 spectators expected across four days. Hotels, B&Bs, and homestays across Northern Ireland are already booked out, while local businesses are gearing up for a bumper tourist season.
Even golf clubs across the UK and Ireland have reported increased bookings and interest in junior golf programs, a sign that The Open’s impact extends far beyond professional competition.
🏗️ Economic and Cultural Impact
Hosting The Open isn’t just a sports milestone—it’s an economic boost. According to a recent report from the Northern Ireland Executive, The Open 2019 generated:
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£100 million in economic impact
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237,000 spectators
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Broadcast to 600 million households
Expect those numbers to be surpassed in 2025 thanks to improved logistics, higher global interest, and expanded digital viewership.
Additionally, initiatives like “Open for the Future” and sustainability campaigns will aim to reduce the championship’s carbon footprint while investing in youth development programs and green infrastructure.
📺 Broadcast and Digital Reach
The Open 2025 will be broadcast live across:
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BBC and Sky Sports (UK)
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NBC Golf Channel (US)
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Sony LIV (India)
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ESPN Latin America, Fox Australia, and more.
In addition, The R&A’s official app will offer 360° hole views, live stats, AR shot tracking, and real-time updates.
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Social Media Highlights:
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Hashtag: #TheOpen2025
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Behind-the-scenes reels from Portrush
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Daily vlogs from influencers and players
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Fan-generated content contests
⛳ Pre-Tournament Activities
In the build-up to the championship, Portrush is hosting a series of events:
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Junior Open Clinics with local school kids
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Legends of Golf Gala featuring interviews and exhibitions
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A golf-themed Art and Film Festival
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Walking history tours of Royal Portrush and the sport’s local legacy
These activities are not only generating excitement but also helping bridge the gap between professional golf and community engagement.
🗣️ Voices from Portrush
Fiona McAuley, Café Owner:
“The buzz is unreal. We’ve got people from the US, Spain, and even Japan asking for reservations months in advance. The Open has put Portrush on the map permanently.”
Patrick Graham, 14-year-old golfer:
“Seeing Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry live is like a dream. I started playing because of the last Open here. I hope I can shake their hands this time!”
Eileen Dunbar, R&A Official:
“Portrush offers the rare mix of scenic beauty and true links challenge. We’re proud to bring the championship back to a course that honours the game’s traditions while embracing its future.”
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🏁 Conclusion: All Eyes on Portrush
The Open 2025 at Royal Portrush is more than just another major golf event—it’s a celebration of tradition, talent, and transformation. With breathtaking scenery, a world-class field, local pride, and global anticipation, the championship promises drama, delight, and perhaps, destiny.
As Portrush basks in the glow of golf’s greatest stage, fans around the world prepare to witness unforgettable moments that will live forever in the annals of sport.
So, whether you’re planning to attend in person, tune in from across the world, or play your own round in the spirit of the greats, one thing is clear:
Golf fever is here—and its name is The Open 2025.
📎 FAQs
1. When is The Open 2025 scheduled?
The tournament will be held from July 17 to July 20, 2025, with practice rounds starting July 13.
2. Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased via The R&A’s official website. Most public tickets are sold out, but hospitality packages may be available.
3. How can I watch The Open?
Live coverage will be available on BBC, Sky Sports, NBC Golf Channel, and The R&A’s digital platforms worldwide.
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