The year 2025 version of golf’s Open Championship is upon us, presenting four days of immaculate, challenging links-style golf on one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious courses. The competition begins on Thursday as a large group heads to Northern Ireland to compete for the Claret Jug for only the third occasion in the annals of the world’s oldest golfing contest. Royal Portrush is anticipated to provide a stern test for the majority of the participants, and even Rory McIlroy — playing near his childhood home — has experienced difficult rounds on this course.
McIlroy, when he was 16 years of age, achieved a course record by scoring 61 at Portrush. The previous time The Open was contested at this location in 2019, he struggled on the initial hole and ultimately posted a first-round score of 78. Therefore, it’s clear that if a winner of a career grand slam and a local player can be challenged by Royal Portrush, then no one in this week’s lineup is assured of an easy time.
The action commences Thursday with Round 1 establishing the foundation for this year’s concluding major tournament. Although the weather is predicted to be generally clear, strong winds are always possible and can negatively impact even the most skilled players. Royal Portrush is only hosting The Open for the third time, and it remains the lone course beyond Scotland and England to crown a Champion Golfer of the Year.
The venue is filled with spectators, and they are certainly excited to witness performances from figures like McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, and other prominent European golfers, alongside players such as Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, and Xander Schauffele, the current champion.
Both Scheffler and McIlroy are aiming to secure their second major victory of the season, but bookmakers currently see Scottie as a strong favorite with odds of 9/2, according to Caesars Sportsbook, followed by McIlroy at 7-1. Jon Rahm is ranked third, reflecting his improved form recently, not just on the LIV Golf circuit but also during the three majors in which he has taken part.
There is a great deal happening this week, which can be difficult to keep track of. But don’t worry: We are here to help. Here is a guide on how to watch the first round unfold, and remember to consult a full 2025 Open Championship TV schedule and coverage guide for complete information on viewing options throughout the weekend.
All times Eastern
Round 1 — Thursday, July 17
Round 1 start time: 1:30 a.m. [Tee times]
Open live stream: 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Peacock
- Early coverage — 1:30-4 a.m.
- Featured Groups — 5 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
4:58 a.m. — Schauffele, Spaun, Rahm
5:09 a.m. — Lowry, Morikawa, Scheffler
9:59 a.m. — MacIntyre, DeChambeau, Rose
10:10 a.m. — McIlroy, Thomas, Fleetwood - Featured holes — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TV coverage: 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on USA Network, Fubo (Try for free)
