The world’s best Tee it up for the final major of the golf season tees this week at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, for the 153rd edition of The Open Championship. With its dramatic coastal setting and revamped Dunluce Links layout, Portrush promises a stern test of creativity, precision, and resilience—especially if the wind picks up.

This year’s field is stacked with talent, including World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, defending champion Xander Schauffele, and elite contenders like Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland.

GolfSpace Ones to Watch

• Jordan Spieth: A proven Open performer with elite short game and creativity—perfect for links golf.
• Shane Lowry: The 2019 champion at Portrush, whose local knowledge and calm demeanour could be key.
• Ludvig Åberg: The Swedish phenom has surged up the rankings and could make a statement in his Open debut.
• Justin Thomas: Quietly climbing back into form, with elite putting and birdie averages that suit Portrush’s plateau greens.
• Rory McIlroy: Always a favourite and in great form with his 2nd place last week, a good start is paramount.

Justin Rose: Can He Go One Better?

Justin Rose, now 44, returns to The Open after a runner-up finish at Royal Troon in 2024, where he narrowly lost to Schauffele. Despite a mixed 2025 season—including missed cuts at the U.S. Open and RBC Canadian Open—Rose has continued to shine in majors, with a second-place finish at the Masters and a strong showing at the Scottish Open last week.

Rose has been preparing meticulously, scouting Portrush weeks in advance and emphasizing the importance of course familiarity. With 23 top-10 finishes in majors and a career defined by resilience, he’s one of the most experienced players in the field. His putting and driving have looked sharp, and if his short game clicks, he could be in contention again.

LIV Golfers in the Field

A record 19 LIV Golf players will compete at The Open, including:

• Bryson DeChambeau
• Brooks Koepka
• Cameron Smith
• Phil Mickelson
• Tyrrell Hatton
• Joaquin Niemann
• Jon RahmA
• Dustin Johnson
• Lee Westwood, among others

GolfSpace LIV Contenders to Watch

• Bryson DeChambeau: Despite missing the cut at the US Open, his power makes him a serious threat, if he can control his dispersion.
• Cameron Smith: A past Open champion with a silky short game.
• Lee Westwood: At 52, he qualified through Final Qualifying after a whirlwind journey, and with five top-five Open finishes and a T4 at Portrush in 2019, he’s a sentimental favourite, but also a real contender.

With the weather forecast looking changeable and Portrush’s layout demanding strategic precision, expect drama, surprises, and a battle for the Claret Jug that could go down to the wire. And don’t be surprised if Justin Rose and Lee Westwood—two British veterans—make one last charge at glory.

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