Open Championship Preview and Picks

⛳ Major Championship Week

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🏌️‍♂️ The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush

Welcome to this week’s special edition of GolfStats Insider, focusing on the final major of the year, the 153rd Open Championship. The world’s best have gathered on the stunning northern coast of Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush, a venue rich with history and ready to test a new generation of champions. As we look forward to crowning the Champion Golfer of the Year, let's dive into the field, the buzz surrounding this historic event, and what it will take to conquer this magnificent links course.

🏆 Open Championship Field

The field for the 2025 Open Championship is, as expected, exceptionally strong, showcasing the depth of talent in modern professional golf. A staggering 81 of the top 100 players in the Official World Golf Rankings are set to compete, including an impressive 49 of the top 50. This concentration of elite players ensures a thrilling competition for the coveted Claret Jug. Similarly, the field includes 25 of the top 25 on the 2025 FedEx Cup point standings, demonstrating that the season's most consistent performers are all present and accounted for. The highest-ranked player in the FedEx Cup standings not competing is #69 Jacob Bridgeman.

While the field is packed with today's stars, it also pays homage to the champions of the past. A total of 16 past Open champions will be teeing it up, their presence a living link to the tournament's storied history. This illustrious group includes recent winners like Xander Schauffele (2024), Brian Harman (2023), Cameron Smith (2022), Collin Morikawa (2021), and the man who won the last time the Open was at Portrush, Shane Lowry (2019). They are joined by legends of the game such as Rory McIlroy (2014), Jordan Spieth (2017), Phil Mickelson (2013), and Padraig Harrington (2007 & ’08), creating a fascinating blend of experience and current form.

📊 Data-Driven Insights for Fantasy & Betting

If you’re serious about making the best picks this week, our GolfStats tools have you covered.

• Our Performance Chart ranks players by their average finish of all players at the Open Championship , helping you identify those who consistently contend.

• Our GolfStats Custom Formula highlights the best performers at this event over the last five years, factoring in course history and key stats.

• Our Sortable 8-Year Glance lets you track trends, breakout performances, and potential sleepers at the Open Championship.

These tools are invaluable whether you’re betting, setting a DFS lineup, or simply looking for an edge in your fantasy league. Check out the full blog post for DK fantasy advice.

⛳ The Return to Royal Portrush

There is no shortage of compelling storylines as The Open returns to Royal Portrush for just the third time in its history. The venue itself is a central character in this week’s drama. After a 68-year absence, the Open’s return in 2019 was a resounding success, a testament to the peace and prosperity that has transformed Northern Ireland. Once a region avoided due to conflict, it has blossomed into a premier tourist destination, with golf at its heart. The R&A’s decision to bring the championship back so soon, and with strong indications of another return around 2030, solidifies Portrush’s place as a modern major venue.

The transformation of the Portrush area since the Senior British Open was held here in the mid-90s is remarkable. What was once an area with limited amenities is now a thriving hub with fine hotels and restaurants, thanks in large part to a £25 million government infrastructure program. This investment has not only improved the experience for visitors but has also allowed the R&A to manage the massive crowds that flock to The Open. For the 2019 event, all tickets were pre-sold to manage the flow of people, a practice that underscores the logistical challenges and immense popularity of holding the event here. This year, with an expected 290,000 fans, Portrush is set to rival the attendance records of St. Andrews.

Course information:

• Royal Portrush Golf Club

• Portrush, Northern Ireland

• 7,381 yards     Par 36-35–71

The course itself, the Dunluce Links, has also seen thoughtful changes. To create a more dramatic finish, the old 16th hole now serves as the 18th, and two new holes were added to the front nine. These changes have been widely praised for improving the flow and challenge of the layout. The course is a unique links test, with more elevation changes than most. The fairways, likened to the surface of the moon, are rolling and undulating, demanding precise tee shots to set up the proper angles into the greens.

As for the conditions, the weather is always a major storyline at The Open. After a period of hot, dry weather that left the course firm, rain has moved in this week. The forecast calls for rain every day of the championship, with temperatures in the mid-60s and winds between 10 and 20 mph. This will soften the course but also make the heavy rough even more penal. Players will face a complex challenge: fairways that are soft but still fast, and firm, "springy" greens that are difficult to hold. The greens are also raised with false fronts, making the classic low, running links shot a risky play. This combination of factors puts a premium on precise iron play and a deft touch around the greens.

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 Key Stats for Success at Royal Portrush

To hoist the Claret Jug on Sunday, a player will need a complete game, mental fortitude, and a bit of luck with the weather. Looking back at the 2019 Open provides a clear blueprint for success. Shane Lowry, an Irishman who was not a pre-tournament favorite, put on a masterful performance of ball-striking in difficult, rainy conditions. He led the field in greens in regulation, hitting an incredible 57 of 72 greens, and his ability to control his ball from tee to green was the foundation of his victory. When he did miss greens, his scrambling was superb, saving par 11 out of 15 times.

This year, with a similar forecast of rain and moderate winds, we can expect a similar test. The course has changed little since 2019, with only 37 yards added to its length. The key to victory will once again lie in a player's ability to navigate the unique challenges of Royal Portrush.

Here are the keys to look for this week:

• Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee: While bombers may have an advantage, accuracy will be paramount. The fescue rough is punishing, and with wet conditions, it will be even more difficult to escape. Players will need to be strategic, likely using irons off the tee on several holes to ensure they find the fairway and avoid the 57 deep bunkers that dot the course.

• Strokes Gained: Approach-the-Green: This will be a critical statistic. The greens at Portrush are small, firm, and feature run-off areas that will repel errant shots. Players must hit their irons with precision to find the putting surfaces and give themselves birdie opportunities. The inability to play a bump-and-run shot to many greens puts an even greater emphasis on carrying the ball the correct distance.

• Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green: With firm greens and challenging hole locations, even the best ball-strikers will miss greens. The ability to scramble—to get up and down from off the green or out of greenside bunkers—will be essential to maintaining momentum and keeping bogeys off the scorecard.

• Strokes Gained: Putting: The greens at Portrush are expected to be some of the slowest the players will face all year. While great putters don't always win The Open, the ability to adjust to the slower pace and make crucial putts inside 10 feet will be a significant advantage. Players who can confidently roll the ball on these surfaces will separate themselves from the field.

Ultimately, the winner will be a player who can adapt to the changing conditions, manage their game strategically, and execute shots under the immense pressure of a major championship. Whether we see a marquee name like Jon Rahm, whose game seems perfectly suited for this test, or another surprise winner in the vein of Shane Lowry or Brian Harman, one thing is certain: the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush promises to be a memorable and thrilling conclusion to the major season.

Check out the full Composite Rankings here - A GolfStats.com exclusive to our Golf IQ subscribers.

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Who to watch for at the Open Championship

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