Royal Portrush: Back in the Spotlight for The Open Championship

Jeff "The Sandbagger"
Jul 17
4 min read

Updated: Aug 9

The final major of the year returns to the Causeway Coast for the second time in six years. Royal Portrush, the only Northern Irish venue to host the event, is set to welcome its third Open Championship. Here’s everything you need to know, and who to watch, as players chase the coveted Claret Jug.

A True Test of Links Golf

Royal Portrush shares many characteristics with traditional Open venues. It features a links-style layout with rippling fairways, towering dunes, deep pot bunkers, and thick fescue lining the rough. Perched along the coast, the course exposes players to swirling winds and unpredictable weather.

Accuracy off the tee will be critical. If you miss the fairway, you’ll likely find yourself hacking out of knee-high grass on uneven ground, just trying to get back in play. With rain and gusty winds forecasted throughout the week, it will take grit and resilience to survive, let alone contend.

Who to Watch: Three Stars This Week

Shane Lowry

The last time the Open came to Portrush in 2019, Shane Lowry dominated the field by six shots. He highlighted his performance with a course-record 63 on Saturday. While he hasn’t won an individual PGA Tour event since then, Lowry has enjoyed a strong 2024 season. This includes two runner-up finishes and ten Top 25s.

Rory McIlroy

Hometown hero Rory McIlroy might be peaking at just the right time. After winning the Masters in April, he cooled off with a T47 at the PGA and a T19 at the U.S. Open. However, he bounced back with a T6 at the Travelers and a T2 at last week’s Scottish Open. If he can manage the pressure early, expect him to contend on Sunday.

Scottie Scheffler

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been a machine this season. With three wins and twelve Top 10s in 15 starts, he’s once again the man to beat. He hasn’t missed a cut since August 2022, a nearly three-year run that proves he’s never far from striking on Sunday.

Chasing the Silver Medal

One of the great traditions of The Open is its accessibility. Amateurs can qualify through regional events and earn their place in the field. They compete not only for the experience of a lifetime but also for the Silver Medal, awarded to the low amateur who makes the cut.

Nine amateurs will tee it up this year, including Richard Teder, who dramatically holed out for eagle in a playoff to earn his spot. He became the first Estonian ever to play in The Open. Also in the field are Justin Hastings (Cayman Islands) and Ethan Fang (USA), both top-15 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Hastings already played in the U.S. Open this year and finished T55 as the low amateur.

Contender, Sleeper, Longshot: Our Picks

Contender - Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood hasn’t made much noise in the majors yet this year, but don’t sleep on his season. It’s highlighted by a near-win at the Travelers Championship. Ranking 4th in Strokes Gained Total with elite ball striking, the Englishman feels overdue for his first win. There’s no better stage than the Open.

Sleeper - Harry Hall

Harry Hall looks like he was born to win an Open, and he has the stats to back it up. He has seven straight Top 25s, ranks 9th in Strokes Gained Total, and leads the Tour in putts per round. If he finds enough fairways, his hot putter could carry him across the finish line.

Longshot - Thriston Lawrence

Thriston is a name you may recognize from being in the mix at last month’s U.S. Open. Despite only making five cuts this season, he’s continued playing well since Oakmont. Lawrence has also made the weekend in all three of his Open appearances, including a solo 4th place finish last year. If he can avoid trouble off the tee, the South African could be in the mix again.

The Stage is Set for an Unforgettable Week

As always, the Open promises a week of drama, all unfolding on one of golf’s most scenic and punishing stages. One thing is certain: whoever lifts the Claret Jug on Sunday will have earned every single shot.

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Conclusion: The Anticipation Builds

The excitement surrounding the Open Championship at Royal Portrush is palpable. Fans and players alike are gearing up for a thrilling week. With the weather playing a significant role, every shot will count. The players will need to navigate the course's challenges and their own nerves.

As the tournament unfolds, keep an eye on the stars mentioned above, as well as the amateurs chasing the Silver Medal. This year’s Open promises to be one for the history books.