The Final Major: Storylines to Watch at the 2025 Open Championship

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

As the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush, all eyes are on golf’s biggest stars, particularly Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Both players enter the tournament ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world respectively, and each has won a major title this season. Yet, with unpredictable links conditions and a stacked field, the Claret Jug is far from decided. Scottie Scheffler remains the tournament’s odds-on favorite. While he has yet to win the Open, he’s never finished worse than 25th in four appearances. His elite iron play, consistent ball striking, and increasingly steady putting make him a natural fit for links golf. “Golf is still golf no matter where you’re playing,” Scheffler stated in his press conference, emphasizing his readiness for the challenge despite modest putting numbers last week.

Meanwhile, McIlroy’s return to Portrush is filled with emotional undertones. The Northern Irishman famously missed the cut here in 2019 after a disastrous opening round. This week, however, he’s embracing the home crowd rather than shielding himself from the pressure. “I guess it’s just something I didn’t mentally prepare for that day or that week,” McIlroy said, reflecting on his past struggles. Riding momentum from a runner-up finish at the Scottish Open, McIlroy looks poised for redemption on familiar ground. Defending champion Xander Schauffele also has something to prove. After capturing two majors last year, injuries have slowed his 2025 season. Despite solid performances at the U.S. Open and Scottish Open, he enters this week looking to recapture his 2024 magic. “You have to visualize a lot more than just hitting your number,” Schauffele said about links play, showing a mental edge that could pay off if the weather turns.

The course itself is also a central character this week. Royal Portrush, known for its rolling terrain and coastal winds, is both beautiful and brutal. Shane Lowry won here in 2019 amid relatively calm conditions. If wind and rain return, the leaderboard could shift dramatically. “Weather has a pretty dramatic effect on how the golf course is going to play,” Scheffler admitted, highlighting the mental toughness required to contend. Among the longshots, Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick and veteran Justin Rose are names to watch. Fitzpatrick’s recent top-10 finishes and Rose’s strong play at both the Masters and Scottish Open suggest they’re capable of contending if the stars align. As the final major of the year tees off, the storylines are rich: a No. 1 looking for his first Open win, a hometown hero seeking redemption, and a defending champion battling adversity. At Royal Portrush, the only certainty is uncertainty.