The Open 2025: Everything you need to know and FAQ

The 153rd Open Championship gets underway on Thursday. 

Reigning champion golfer of the year Xander Schauffele handed back the Claret Jug he won 12 months ago at Royal Toon on Monday ahead of the final men's major of the year. 

Schauffele's US Ryder Cup teammate Scottie Scheffler is the betting favourite to clinch his first Open title this week. 

But he will face stiff competition from Masters champion Rory McIlroy. 

LIV Golf recruits Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau are also expected to mount serious challenges. 

And 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, playing in front of his home boisterous home fans, will also believe he can land his second major title. 

GolfMagic will be providing live text updates of The Open, and we'll also be bringing you the latest news, opinion and analysis. 

Where is The Open taking place?

Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is hosting The Open. 

• Round 1: 17 July
• Round 2: 18 July
• Round 3: 19 July
• Round 4: 20 July

What is the weather forecast?

When The Open was played at Royal Portrush in 2019, competitors in the field had to battle torrid conditions. 

But the weather forecast looks decent this week, with only a small amount of rain forecast amid largely dry and sunny spells. 

Temperatures are expected to reach 20C

What is the prize money?

The R&A announces prize money for The Open two days before the tournament gets underway. 

The aforementioned Schauffele won $3.1m (£2.3m) from a $17m (£12.6m) pot in 2024. 

Last year, former R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers expressed concern with the growing prize purses in the men's game. 

It would not be surprising if tournament organisers do not increase the purse at all this year. 

At the 2025 US Open at Oakmont, the USGA announced the purse would remain unchanged at $21.5m.

Is Tiger Woods playing?

No, Tiger Woods is not playing this week. 

The three-time winner ruptured his left Achilles in March as he ramped up his practice sessions ahead of the 2025 Masters. 

Woods went under the knife to repair the damage but was ruled out of all of this year's major championships. 

The 47-year-old is likely targeting a return to action in December at the PNC Championship. 

The PNC is an annual parent/son PGA Tour event and Woods now played in the tournament with his teenage son Charlie. 

How many players are in the field?

There are a total of 156 players in the field for the 2025 Open Championship.

What is the cut? 

The top 70 players and ties advance after 36 holes advance to the final two rounds of The Open. 

The cut line used to be the top 60 and ties, but it was expanded in 2013. 

What is the playoff format?

Each major championship uses a different playoff format. 

Should there be a tie after 72 holes, The Open will be decided by a three-hole playoff on holes one, 13 and 18, with the aggregate score determining the winner. 

If scores are still tied, then the winner will be decided by a sudden death playoff over the same holes. 

Who are the favourites to win The Open?

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler is the betting favourite to clinch his first Open title. 

Scheffler is playing in his fifth Open and, although he has never truly found himself in contention to win, is considered the best player in the world by a big margin. 

Scheffler captured his third major championship title at the PGA Championship in May. 

Masters champion Rory McIlroy is the second favourite, followed by Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and defending champion Xander Schauffele. 

Shane Lowry, who won The Open the last time it was held at Royal Portrush in 2019, is also expected to mount a strong challenge. 

Other European golfers tipped to do well include Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre. 

How many LIV Golf players are in the field?

There a total of 19 LIV Golf players in the field.