July 15, 2025 – Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland
As the golf world turns its attention to Royal Portrush for the 153rd Open Championship, the field is arguably the strongest of the year. From former champions to rising stars, the list of contenders is deep and diverse. Below is a complete ranking of the top players in this year’s field, based on current form, links experience, major pedigree, and recent momentum.
Top Contenders
1. Rory McIlroy
The Northern Irishman returns to Portrush with redemption on his mind after missing the cut here in 2019. With three wins this season and a near-miss at the U.S. Open, McIlroy is playing some of the most complete golf of his career. His familiarity with the course and home crowd support make him the man to beat.
2. Jon Rahm
Though quieter this year due to his LIV Golf schedule, Rahm has finished top-10 in all three majors so far in 2025. A T-11 finish at Portrush in 2019 proves he knows how to handle links golf. His power and iron control are ideal for Royal Portrush’s layout.
3. Scottie Scheffler
The world No. 1 is having a dominant season, highlighted by a commanding win at the PGA Championship. Though he’s never won The Open, his consistency and elite tee-to-green play put him near the top. If he adapts to the links conditions, Scheffler could finally break through.
4. Xander Schauffele
The defending Open champion arrives with solid form and the confidence of a major winner. His calm demeanor and ability to stay in contention in tough conditions make him a strong threat to repeat.
5. Shane Lowry
Lowry lifted the Claret Jug the last time The Open was held at Portrush in 2019. He’s remained steady in 2025, with multiple top-10s, and his touch around the greens still shines in windy conditions. Don’t rule out another run on home soil.
6. Viktor Hovland
Still searching for his first major, Hovland has flirted with contention in recent months. He finished third at the U.S. Open and has the ball-striking ability to contend. If his short game holds up, he’ll be dangerous.
Dark Horses and Rising Stars
7. Tommy Fleetwood
A links specialist with a runner-up finish at the 2019 Open, Fleetwood is always a threat in this environment. His record at The Open speaks for itself, and he’s coming off a strong summer stretch.
8. Collin Morikawa
The 2021 Open champion and reigning Masters winner knows how to peak at the right time. While his putting can be streaky, Morikawa’s ball-striking remains elite.
9. Ludvig Åberg
The Swedish star is one of the game’s fastest-rising talents. A late push at the Scottish Open showed his form is trending upward. He has the distance and control to thrive at Portrush.
10. Justin Rose
Rose continues to defy age with solid results in 2025. A seasoned links player and a past Open runner-up, his experience could lead him to another deep run.
Notables to Watch
• Jordan Spieth – Inconsistent form but thrives in creative conditions. His Open record includes a win (2017) and several top-10s.
• Brooks Koepka – Always a factor in majors, but his links form is less proven.
• Robert MacIntyre – A Scottish favorite with strong Open finishes; could make noise in front of supportive crowds.
• Sepp Straka – Quietly reliable in big events; a possible sleeper for the top 10.
• Cameron Young – Still chasing a breakthrough win, but has the power game to contend.
Final Word
The 2025 Open Championship field is stacked with storylines — from Rory McIlroy’s emotional return to Shane Lowry’s title defense on familiar ground. Scottie Scheffler, as always, brings consistency and calm. Jon Rahm lurks with major pedigree. And rising stars like Åberg could shake things up.
With windy conditions expected and a challenging setup at Royal Portrush, this Open is poised to reward the bold, the creative, and the composed. Whether it’s redemption, dominance, or breakthrough that headlines Sunday evening, this year’s field promises a week to remember.
