And it will happen, again, when Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of the game’s oldest major. In turn, it will create anxiousness for the 156 players in the field waiting to see if where their names land on the starter’s sheet and whether that might leave them on the “good” or “bad” side of the draw.

Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of The Open Championship, and Northern Ireland’s own Rory McIlroy is among the betting favorites entering the men’s final major of the season. But he’s not THE favorite.

Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the site of Shane Lowry's triumph in 2019. As has been the case all year, the strong favorites entering the tournament are Scottie Scheffler (9/2) and Rory McIlroy (7-1).

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland signs autographs on the 18th green following a practice round for the 2025 British Open golf championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, Monday, July 14,

Rory McIlroy returns home to Northern Ireland as the fans want to see him end a more special year on a spectacular note.

Rory McIlroy's time off allowed him to fully process his Masters win, and his week at the Scottish Open showed he's ready for what's next.