The Open Returns to Portrush: What to Expect and Who to Watch in 2025

In July 2025, the world’s best golfers return to one of the most dramatic and challenging venues in the Open rota — Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland.

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As the only course outside mainland UK to host The Open, Portrush offers spectacle, wind, and raw links drama like no other. If 2019 was anything to go by, we’re in for something special.

The Course: Dunluce Links in All Its Glory

Royal Portrush is a pure test of links golf. Towering dunes, tight fairways, unpredictable winds, and some of the best viewing backdrops in the game.

This year’s setup is expected to mirror 2019, with potential tweaks to the closing stretch that famously caught out many players under pressure.

Kaluza on Tour: My View from Portrush

Earlier this year, I had the chance to stand on the cliffs overlooking the course — and trust me, you can feel the weight of history there.

Add in 150mph swings and Sunday nerves? Goosebumps.

Kaluza overlooking Portrush

Players to Watch in 2025

🔹 Rory McIlroy – Will he finally lift the Claret Jug again, this time on home soil?

🔹 Viktor Hovland – Consistent, fearless, and dangerous in the wind.

🔹 Tommy Fleetwood – Always a threat on links, especially with a home crowd behind him.

🔹 Ludvig Åberg – The rising star whose ball striking could suit Portrush perfectly.

It’s More Than a Major

The Open isn’t just golf — it’s a pilgrimage for fans, a spotlight for brands, and a moment for players to become legends.

We’ll be watching closely. And you can bet we’ll be in Kaluza.