It feels like only yesterday that Shane Lowry was completing an emotional Open Championship victory on home soil at Royal Portrush.
It was, of course, actually six years ago, but the battle for the Claret Jug will once again return to the Dunluce Course at the Irish venue from July 17-20 in 2025.
And, according to course officials, Royal Portrush is looking resplendent thanks to the ‘wonderful weather’ experienced on the coast in Northern Ireland.
Major moments
Two down, two to go: that’s the state of affairs when it comes to golf’s majors in 2025.
Those that bet on golf have already witnessed The Masters and the PGA Championship being won by two of the favorites in, respectively, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
The US Open odds reveal that the duo are once again expected to go well at the Oakmont Country Club, with Scheffler the +300 market protagonist and McIlroy not a million miles behind at +750.
Conditions are likely to be tough for the players at Oakmont, given the USGA’s stance on course preparation – the last time the US Open headed there, only three players finished under par behind the champion, Dustin Johnson.
Dustin Johnson is the champion of the 116th #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/csY3EK2lCy
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 20, 2016
Intriguingly, Royal Portrush could also provide a challenging assignment as the warm temperatures and blue skies have helped to dry out the venue, with the strong winds also playing their part in leaving fairways and greens in immaculate – albeit fast – condition.
The weather is always liable to change on Links golf courses, but should the rest of this early summer period pass by with hot sunshine and minimal rain, the Dunluce Course could become very difficult to handle indeed.
At least the venue itself will be in sumptuous shape. Johnny McCarron, who is helping to prepare Royal Portrush for hosting the Open Championship, told the R&A that the set-up mission is ‘really ahead of schedule’.
“You can see if you drive past the build is well underway,” McCarron said. “The benefit of the wonderful weather we have been having has really helped.”
He confirmed that a total attendance of around 270,000 is expected at the venue across the four days of action.
Irish eyes
The 2019 edition of the Open Championship will forever be remembered for its popular winner.
Shane Lowry, beloved by his fellow players and golf fans around the globe, lifted the Claret Jug in front of his home supporters – that was the first time that Ireland has hosted the Open Championship since 1951.
The manner of Lowry’s victory – he prevailed by six shots – suggests he will be a danger in 2025, given that his recent form is strong.
He bested Tommy Fleetwood back in 2019, and the Englishman is another who will head to Royal Portrush with form and confidence; as will Rory McIlroy, The Masters champion who fired one of the lowest rounds of the week at The Open six years ago.
Will Scottie Scheffler move one step closer to completing the career grand slam? There are plenty of intriguing narratives heading into the 2025 Open Championship at what will be a magnificent host venue.
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