Who Will Win The Open 2025? Predictions, Odds & Players to Watch at Portrush
- Martin Kaluza
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Who will win The Open 2025? That’s the question golf fans and punters are asking as the world’s best head to Royal Portrush from July 17–20. With a stacked field, fierce links conditions, and dramatic history on the line, we break down the top contenders, early odds, and bold predictions — including picks for the outright winner and first-round leader.
Read on to found out our outright prediction & round one leader!
Royal Portrush Returns
This year marks the return of The Open to Royal Portrush for the first time since 2019, when Shane Lowry lifted the Claret Jug in spectacular fashion. The Dunluce Links is a true test: dramatic elevation changes, wind off the North Atlantic, and some of the most demanding closing holes in championship golf.
Top Contenders (and Why They Could Win)
Scottie Scheffler (≈4/1)
World No. 1 and 2025 PGA Champion. Ball-striking machine. If the putter cooperates, he’s hard to beat — even on a links.
Rory McIlroy (≈13/2)
Coming off a historic 2025 Masters win. Missed the cut at Portrush in 2019, but this time he’s more focused, more mature, and playing with a point to prove. The emotional favourite.
Jon Rahm (≈10/1)
Top-10 at every Open since 2021. Links specialist. Runner-up at Hoylake, third at Royal St George’s, and solid form in 2025. Dangerous if conditions get tough.
Xander Schauffele (≈16/1)
Reigning Open Champion. Consistent, composed, and finally broke through last year. Knows how to handle a links finish.
Shane Lowry (≈22/1)
2019 winner at Portrush. Local fans will be behind him again. Tough in the wind and thrives under pressure.
Robert MacIntyre (≈22/1)
Scottish lefty with a great history at Portrush. Tied 6th in 2019. Trending well on DP World Tour. Sleeper pick.
Bryson DeChambeau (≈16/1)
Won the 2024 U.S. Open. Power game can work here if it’s calm. High risk, high reward — likely to be boom or bust.
Tommy Fleetwood (≈29/1)
Runner-up to Lowry at Portrush in 2019. Hasn’t won a major yet, but his Open record is strong. Loves links golf.
Predicted Winner: Rory McIlroy
This feels like destiny. Rory got the monkey off his back at Augusta. He’ll be motivated, focused, and backed by thousands. If he avoids early drama (like his 8 on the first hole in 2019), he has the game and fire to finally win The Open on home soil.
First-Round Leader Picks
Looking for early value?
Here are 3 smart bets based on past Open openers and scoring stats:
• Cameron Young – Shot 64 to lead Day 1 at St Andrews. Explosive starter.
• Ryan Fox – Fast finisher, fired 29 on Portrush’s back nine in 2019.
• Tyrrell Hatton – Unpredictable but electric. Loves links and rolls putts early.
Ideal scenario: pick someone with a morning tee time and hope for calm Thursday conditions.
Summary
The Open 2025 promises drama. If you’re looking for a bet, Rory is our pick to win it all. For Thursday thrills, back a streaky ball-striker like Cam Young or Ryan Fox to post a low number.
Whether you’re watching as a fan or punting for fun, Royal Portrush will deliver a week to remember.
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