The 2025 Open Championship is here! The Golfing Gazette writers have each made eight predictions before the tournament’s start.
The three major championships earlier this season were all fantastic, and The Open promises to deliver another amazing spectacle.
The best players in the world are ready to take on the unique challenge of links golf at one of the most beautiful courses on the planet, Royal Portrush.
We have predicted eight key aspects of the upcoming Open Championship, from the winner to dark horses and much more.
Eight predictions for The Open Championship
Open Championship winner
James Shearman: After a disappointing major season in 2024, Jon Rahm has bounced back this year with three consecutive top-15 finishes. He absolutely loves The Open, and I think he’s ready to win it.
Peter Lynch: Americans have overtaken Europeans in this year’s major count, so the tide needs to turn at Portrush to even the scales. And while my heart says Rory McIlroy can achieve a dream win, my head says he won’t, but Viktor Hovland can.
Jordan Harris: Tyrrell Hatton was my tip at the start of the year, and his impressive showing at the US Open means I’m sticking with the LIV Golf star for this week.
Antony Martin: Jon Rahm. The Spaniard has a great record on the island of Ireland, and his game is perfectly built to win an Open. If Rahm putts well, he will win this week. He has two top-three finishes and one top-10 in his last four starts at The Open. 2025 could be his time.
Lee Connor: I fancy Jon Rahm to win it, but I do think an experienced head like Adam Scott may also do well.
Dark horse to win The Open
James Shearman: Calling a three-time major champion a dark horse seems harsh, but considering the last of those was eight years ago, Jordan Spieth fits the bill. He often plays well in the United Kingdom, and he’s in good form.
Peter Lynch: He turned plenty of heads when he left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf at the start of the season, but with all eyes on McIlroy, his compatriot Tom McKibbin could thrive.
Jordan Harris: Older players can often do well at The Open, so I’m backing Padraig Harrington to be in contention at some stage during the tournament.
Antony Martin: Corey Conners. Anyone who flushes the ball will contend at Portrush this week, and there aren’t many better ball-strikers in the game than Conners. Winning might be a step too far for the Canadian, but he very much has an outside shot at contending this week.
Lee Connor: Adam Scott, as above.
Best LIV golfer at The Open
James Shearman: Well, Rahm is my pick to win, so it has to be him. Besides the Spaniard, 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith could be a decent shout after his top 10 at LIV Golf Andalucia last week.
Peter Lynch: It will be a popular shout, but I really can’t see past Rahm continuing his strong recent history at the tournament.
Jordan Harris: Once again, outside of Hatton, I will say Rahm will contend. Perhaps watch out for Dean Burmester, who has two top 20 finishes in three Open starts.
Antony Martin: I’ve tipped Rahm to win, so I will go with him. Aside from Rahm, I’m backing Hatton to have a good week at Portrush. A solid ball striker with a terrific short game, Hatton should feature over the weekend at The Open.
Lee Connor: Tyrrell Hatton, or it might finally be time for Joaquin Neumann to show his stuff in a major.
Top European player at The Open
James Shearman: Again, this should be Rahm. Another European – and coincidentally a LIV golfer – who could have an impressive week is Tyrrell Hatton.
Peter Lynch: I’ve backed Hovland to clinch the Claret Jug, which would represent his maiden major championship win.
Jordan Harris: Outside of Hatton, I will say that Matthew Fitzpatrick will have another really good week as he continues to find some better form after a tough spell.
Antony Martin: Rory McIlroy. I’m backing Rory to enjoy a successful week in his homeland. A top-five finish is on the cards for the Northern Irishman, but his game doesn’t seem to be razor-sharp enough to actually win.
Lee Connor: Jon Rahm – outside of him, I think Tyrrell Hatton plays well.
Where will Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau finish at The Open?
James Shearman: Rory McIlroy will do better than in 2019 and make the cut at Royal Portrush, and maybe even sneak into the top 10. Scottie Scheffler will also finish in the top 10, whereas Bryson DeChambeau will have to settle for a top 50.
Peter Lynch: The trio could be the three most popular figures at Royal Portrush, and I think all three will not only make the cut but secure top 10 finishes.
Jordan Harris: Scheffler will probably win, while McIlroy will finish inside the top 10. It feels a week or two too early for him. Much will come down to which side of the draw he is on, but DeChambeau may be a surprise contender to miss the cut.
Antony Martin: McIlroy and Scheffler will both finish inside the top 10 but won’t quite get the job done. Meanwhile, DeChambeau will struggle at Portrush due to his inconsistent iron play and the sheer height he hits his driver.
Lee Connor: McIlroy will finish top 15, Scheffler top 10, Bryson top 25.
The biggest names to miss the cut at The Open
James Shearman: Collin Morikawa has missed the cut twice in the three Open Championships since he won in 2021. He also struggled at last week’s Scottish Open, and this will be much tougher.
Peter Lynch: One of his six major championship wins came at The Open in 2013, but I think Phil Mickelson won’t be able to come close to those heroics this week.
Jordan Harris: As well as DeChambeau, I’m going to say that Ludvig Aberg may continue his disappointing run in the majors this week.
Antony Martin: DeChambeau / Morikawa. DeChambeau’s game is a poor fit for Open Championship golf courses, and he has to find a way to flight his ball down into the wind better. Meanwhile, Morikawa has been in really poor form of late, and it will be two missed cuts in a row for the American.
Lee Connor: I’ll go, Rickie Fowler. He’s just not that good anymore for whatever reason.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
