The 153rd British Open will take place from July 17-20, 2025, at the renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. The event, one of golf’s four major championships, promises to challenge the world’s best players with its distinctive layout and stunning scenery.
Course Overview and Key Holes
Royal Portrush features 18 holes that test golfers’ skills in various ways. Each hole presents unique challenges, from tricky bunkers to elevated greens. Here’s a closer look at some of the key holes players will face.
The opening hole, No. 1, is a 420-yard par 4 known as Hughies. Players must navigate two bunkers off the tee and avoid out-of-bounds to the left. The real test comes with the second shot, as it must land on a two-tier green with a deceptive false front, punishing any short shots.
Moving to No. 2, a 575-yard par 5 called Giant’s Grave, players face a choice after a solid tee shot. They can either lay up short of the cross bunkers or attempt to reach the contoured green, while avoiding three right-side bunkers that can complicate the approach.
No. 3, a 176-yard par 3 named Islay, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding links and the Scottish island of Islay. However, the green slopes away on all sides, demanding precise accuracy from the tee, as any missed shots make par saves challenging.
The fourth hole, Fred Daly’s, pays homage to the local champion golfer from 1947. This 502-yard par 4 features out-of-bounds running along the right and requires players to navigate left fairway bunkers. The green is particularly tricky, often partially hidden from view and surrounded by sand hills.
No. 5, known as White Rocks, is a short 372-yard par 4 perched at the edge of the cliffs. With out-of-bounds lurking just beyond the green, players must contend with a ridge that complicates their attempts to secure a birdie.
At No. 6, measuring 193 yards as a par 3, players encounter Harry Colt’s, where the elevated green is defended by natural undulations. A false front awaits any shot that falls short, further increasing the difficulty.
The par 5 at No. 7, named Curran Point, stretches 607 yards. It features a downhill tee shot and requires an uphill second shot to a well-contoured green. Wind conditions will play a significant role in determining whether players can reach the green in two.
The course continues to test golfers with No. 8, a 434-yard par 4 called Dunluce. This slight dogleg left requires a tee shot over a ravine, with bunkers on the right side posing additional challenges. Players must approach cautiously to avoid difficult spots below the elevated green.
No. 9, Tavern, is often regarded as the toughest hole for members. Stretching 432 yards, the hole bends from right to left, with cross bunkers making the approach to the green deceptively challenging.
Final Holes and Historical Significance
As the round progresses, the challenges become more intense. No. 10, Himalayas, is a 450-yard par 4 that lacks bunkers but features dramatic contours that complicate both the tee shot and approach.
The 11th hole, PG Stevenson’s, is a 475-yard par 4 that Padraig Harrington once declared as one of the most difficult in golf. A narrow shot through mounds leads to a green perched above the fairway, making it crucial to avoid coming up short.
At No. 12, Dhu Varren, a championship tee adds 50 yards, allowing it to be played as a par 5. Players must navigate a sloping fairway and an elevated green with a false front, increasing the risk of failure.
The 196-yard par 3 at No. 13, Feather Bed, is one of the most picturesque holes, featuring a significant elevation change and five surrounding bunkers. The front-left pin position presents the most significant challenge.
No. 14, Causeway, requires a narrow tee shot that avoids left-side bunkers. The second shot must reach an elevated green with a severe slope, demanding precision and strategy.
As players approach the final holes, No. 15, Skerries, is a 429-yard par 4 with an uphill tee shot that leads to a guarded green. Players must balance risk and reward to secure their scores.
Calamity Corner, at No. 16, is a 236-yard par 3 with no bunkers necessary for trouble. A slightly uphill shot over a vast ravine presents a daunting challenge, with steep slopes awaiting any miscalculated shots.
Finally, No. 17, Purgatory, and No. 18, Babington’s, round out the course. Players must navigate a tricky uphill approach on the penultimate hole and ensure a strategic tee shot on the closing hole, which has historical significance for champions like Max Faulkner.
The 153rd British Open at Royal Portrush will provide a platform for golfers to showcase their abilities against a backdrop of rich history and stunning landscapes. The course’s challenges are sure to create a memorable experience for both players and spectators alike.
