The 2025 Open Championship returns to the rugged beauty of Royal Portrush, a venue that last hosted golf’s oldest major in 2019. That year, Shane Lowry delivered a masterclass, coasting to victory at 15 under par while only nine others managed to finish within eleven shots of him. Lowry’s triumph wasn’t just about nerves or short game wizardry—it was a showcase for those who excel with driver and irons, a trend reflected throughout the leaderboard. A glance back at the 2019 top ten—names like Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau, Brooks Koepka, Lee Westwood, Rickie Fowler, Tyrrell Hatton, Danny Willett, Robert MacIntyre, and Patrick Reed—reveals a group dominated by precision ball-strikers rather than power hitters or short-game specialists. Portrush demands more than brawn; it rewards those who can consistently find fairways and attack pins with crisp iron shots. What’s striking is how even the world’s elite found Portrush a stern test. Of the top six in the Official World Golf Ranking that summer, only Koepka managed a top-20 finish. In an era where big names often crowd major leaderboards, Portrush proved itself an equaliser—a course where only sustained quality could survive. The course itself is a classic examination of skill and nerve. Players who are in control can post red numbers, but anyone struggling will see mistakes multiply quickly. Unlike some other Open venues where scores tend to cluster tightly, Portrush produces more separation—highlighting both brilliance and frailty across the field. The opening hole sets the tone: out-of-bounds markers loom on either side of the fairway, making for a nerve-jangling start (as Rory McIlroy learned all too well last time). Looking ahead to this year’s championship, Royal Portrush appears tailor-made for those who thrive with long irons and possess accuracy off the tee. It’s not a place where you can simply overpower trouble or rely on miraculous recoveries around every green. Instead, it calls for players who combine calm under pressure with technical excellence. With that in mind, golfers like Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler stand out as prime contenders. Scheffler in particular may finally break through at The Open—his pinpoint driving and world-class approach play are ideally suited to Portrush’s exacting demands. If he can keep his ball on track and avoid the pitfalls waiting for wayward shots, he’ll have every chance to claim his first Claret Jug. Royal Portrush doesn’t hand out victories easily. But for those who bring their best ball-striking to Northern Ireland this summer, it offers the chance to etch their name into golfing history—just as Lowry did six years ago. Here are a selected number of free bets offers: Here is your guide on how to make the most out of this offer with Sky Bet : NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. 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