The Return to Royal Portrush: Why This Year’s Open Is Already a Classic in the Making

Ever since watching The Open Championship at Royal Portrush back in 2019, we have all been been itching for it's return. The energy, the drama, the fairytale finish, it all came together on the rugged Antrim coastline in what many consider the greatest Open of the last decade.

Now, six years later, the R&A is bringing golf’s most historic Major back to Portrush, a move that says it all about just how successful that 2019 staging was.

And rightly so. Who could forget the electric atmosphere as Shane Lowry romped to a six-shot win, cheered every step of the way by an ecstatic home crowd? It wasn’t just a win; it was a moment of national pride and pure golfing magic.

From a fans perspective, it was near perfection, well, aside from Rory McIlroy’s unfortunate first-hole out-of-bounds and the quadruple bogey that followed! But even that only added to the drama.

A Layout to Love

Portrush remains one of the fairest, yet most testing layouts on the Open rota. Every hole offers something, whether it’s the epic par 3s (yes, we’re looking at you, Calamity Corner), or the subtle run-offs that demand a surgeon’s touch with a wedge.

Fairways may be flatter than those at Lytham or Troon, but this is no flat track. Precision, not power, will rule the day. That’s why the 2019 leaderboard featured ball-strikers like Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood, neither of whom are bombers off the tee.

In fact, both players ranked outside the top 130 in average driving distance at the time. What mattered? Consistency, placement, and a silky short game.

Pressure & Redemption

This year, all eyes are back on McIlroy and Scheffler. 
Rory returns to Portrush with the scars of 2019, but also the course record under his belt. 
After tasting glory at Augusta, he’ll be hungry to set things right in front of the Northern Irish faithful.

But pressure weighs heavy at home. And if you’re placing bets, Scottie Scheffler might just be the one to watch. With two top-10s in his four Open starts, he’s proven he can handle links golf, despite lacking deep roots in the format. His creativity, patience, and short game give him the complete toolkit for success on the coast.

2Under Insight: Play Like a Champion

At Portrush, the key isn’t how far you hit—it’s how well you feel your way around the course. And that’s why the 2Under Golf Glove has become a favourite among players who demand control, comfort, and consistency under pressure.

From links-style recovery shots to up-and-downs on sloping greens, our gloves provide grip and feel when it matters most.

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Players to Watch at Portrush 2025:

• Scottie Scheffler – Calm, consistent, clinical.

• Shane Lowry – Back on home turf with memories of glory.

• Tyrrell Hatton – Fiery, focused, and built for links.

• Ryan Fox – Recently bagged a PGA Tour win and dangerous in wind.

Whether you’re teeing it up at your local club or chasing birdies in the dunes, The Open at Portrush reminds us: it’s not just how you start—it’s how you grind, adapt, and finish.

Tip from St Andrews:

"Never fight the wind. Use it."
As we say here in the Home of Golf, “The wind is your caddie—if you know how to listen.”