Golf's oldest championship returns to Royal Portrush. It's the third time the British Open has gone to the Northern Ireland links. Shane Lowry won in 2019.

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

The GOLF.com staff looks at picks to win and sleepers for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush following Xander Schauffele's win last year. The post 2025 Open Championship expert picks to win, sleepers to watch at Royal Portrush appeared first on Golf.

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Rory McIlroy practically had Royal Portrush all to himself Monday morning, but not for long. By the time he finished his first practice round for the British Open — his first time back on these links in 2,187 days — there was a big crowd that weathered rain and sunshine to see him finish.