The Open was last hosted at Royal Portrush in 2019 when one of those breakthroughs occurred: Shane Lowry capturing the Claret Jug as one of the most popular Open champions in recent memory. This year, there are a number of players seeking that same kind of moment.

Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of The Open Championship, and Northern Ireland’s own Rory McIlroy is among the betting favorites entering the men’s final major of the season. But he’s not THE favorite.

And it will happen, again, when Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of the game’s oldest major. In turn, it will create anxiousness for the 156 players in the field waiting to see if where their names land on the starter’s sheet and whether that might leave them on the “good” or “bad” side of the draw.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland signs autographs on the 18th green following a practice round for the 2025 British Open golf championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, Monday, July 14,

Rory McIlroy returns home to Northern Ireland as the fans want to see him end a more special year on a spectacular note.

Rory McIlroy's time off allowed him to fully process his Masters win, and his week at the Scottish Open showed he's ready for what's next.