World number one Scottie Scheffler is the favourite on golf betting sites, with local hero Rory McIlroy next on the market. McIlroy is aiming to follow in the footsteps of his good friend Shane Lowry, who was the champion golfer in 2019 - the last time Portrush hosted the tournament.

Shane Lowry remains the most recent European to win the Open. In the last four editions, three Americans – Collin Morikawa, Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele – and one Australian – Cameron Smith – ha

W orld No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa are grouped together for the first two rounds of the 153rd British Open, beginning July 17 at Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland. They will tee off in the first round at 5:09 a.m. (EDT) and in the second round at 10:10 a.m.

Elsewhere, Pádraig Harrington will hit the opening tee shot of the championship, and will play alongside Tom McKibbin and Nicolai Hojgaard from 6.35am on Thursday. Darren Clarke has been paired with Lucas Herbert and Davis Riley, and they are underway at 7.52am.

Shane Lowry said ahead of the Open Championship on Monday that feeling pangs of self-doubt before big events isn't always a bad thing.

Shane Lowry was not pleased with reporters as they opened his press conference with a question about his drinking. Lowry claimed victory at Royal Portrush back in 2019, and made sure to party in true style after the win.

Shane Lowry’s travails before his first win at Portrush have been forgotten – he hopes the turbulence of 2025 will be similarly lost to history.