Royal Portrush is poised once more to provide the backdrop for golf’s oldest and most prestigious championship, The Open, from July 17–20. Six years on from Shane Lowry’s emotional and commanding triumph at the famous Dunluce Links, Northern Ireland braces for another thrilling edition.
In 2019, battling brutal coastal conditions, Lowry etched himself into Irish sporting folklore by clinching victory with a stunning 15-under-par total. His rounds of 67, 67, and a spectacular third-round 63 set up an iconic Sunday, as fierce weather tested every player’s resolve. Lowry described his victory as, “like an out-of-body experience. The weather was awful, but everyone was struggling. Thankfully, my caddie Bo kept me calm.” Despite that career-defining moment, Lowry insists, “Winning the Open at Portrush was the greatest moment of my career, but I want more.”
This year’s championship is shaping up to be another memorable one, especially with the winners of the three Majors so far this season in fine form and on the hunt for more glory.
World No.1 Scottie Scheffler enters Portrush in irresistible form, having captured the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow by an impressive five-stroke margin. His season has been one of dominance, racking up three PGA Tour victories already.
“I feel great about my game and relish the challenge tough conditions present,” said a confident Scheffler. “Portrush demands your best—I’m ready.”
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, arrives buoyed by finally completing his career Grand Slam at The Masters. Yet, the memory of his painful missed cut during the last Open held at Portrush still lingers. On his return home, McIlroy admitted, “Portrush has become my new Everest. I have unfinished business here, and I’m determined to deliver a much better performance this time around.”
JJ Spaun completes the impressive Major-winning trio, fresh from his fairytale U.S. Open triumph at Oakmont, where a 65-foot birdie putt on the final hole secured an unforgettable victory. Spaun’s confidence is understandably soaring. “Winning at Oakmont has changed everything for me,” he said. “I’m carrying that confidence into Portrush—why not dream big again?”
The list of contenders doesn’t stop there. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, runner-up at the recent U.S. Open, has quietly emerged as a formidable links player, comfortable in challenging conditions and keen to secure his first Major. MacIntyre said, “Links golf rewards creativity. I’ve always loved these conditions, and Portrush fits my game perfectly.”
With Lowry looking to recreate his 2019 heroics, McIlroy chasing redemption, Scheffler out to keep his hot streak going, and Spaun eyeing another big moment, there’s no shortage of storylines. Add in a stacked field full of players getting closer to that first Major breakthrough, and Royal Portrush is set for another drama-filled week. The course is as tough and unforgiving as ever—and it’ll take something special to come out on top.
Beyond the formidable field, it’s the notorious Northern Irish weather that could truly dictate the narrative at Portrush. Winds are predicted to gust above 25 mph, especially around the infamous 236-yard par-three 16th, affectionately named “Calamity Corner.” Tiger Woods hit the nail on the head when he said: “Conditions here define the tournament. It can play differently every round, and adaptability is crucial.”
Portrush doesn’t give anything away. It demands control, guts, and the ability to grind it out when the weather turns. Lowry left his mark last time, but that was then. A new champion is about to step up—and they’ll have to earn every shot of it
