
British Open 2025: Watch, Schedule, Tickets at Royal Portrush
Every golfer knows the feeling of watching The Open on a Sunday afternoon, with the wind howling off the Irish Sea. The 2025 Championship returns to Royal Portrush for the first time since 2019 — the official Open site confirms the tournament runs from July 17–20. This guide is designed to help you watch, attend, or simply follow along without the usual guesswork.
Venue: Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland ·
Dates: July 17–20, 2025 ·
Edition: 153rd Open Championship ·
Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler ·
Prize Fund: Approximately $16.5 million (final to be confirmed)
Quick snapshot
- Exact prize‑fund breakdown (confirmed closer to event) (The Open)
- Full player field – final qualifiers and late withdrawals (Golfbreaks)
- Weather conditions during tournament week (Golfbreaks)
- Practice rounds start Monday July 14 (The Open)
- Round 1 & 2: July 17–18, cut after 36 holes (The Open)
- Final round Sunday July 20 with Claret Jug presentation (Golfbreaks)
- 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale (July 12–19) (The Open)
- 2027 Open at St Andrews – pre‑booking already open (The Open)
- Strong demand for future Championships (The Open)
The snapshot pattern across four cards shows a tournament well-documented on dates and tickets but still fluid on exact field composition and prize payout details.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Tournament | The 153rd Open Championship (The Open) |
| Venue | Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce Links) (Golfbreaks) |
| Year | 2025 (The Open) |
| Dates | July 17–20, 2025 (The Open) |
| Defending Champion | Scottie Scheffler (One Club) |
| Prize Fund | Approx. $16.5 million (winner ~$3.1 million) – final TBC (The Open) |
| Qualifying Criteria | Top 50 OWGR, past champions, open qualifying, etc. (Golfbreaks) |
| Previous Winner at Royal Portrush | Shane Lowry (2019) (Golfbreaks) |
The pattern: eight table rows crystallise the core tournament details — venue, dates, defending champion — while flagging the prize fund as still unconfirmed.
Where can I watch The British Open 2025?
Official broadcasters for the 2025 Open
- In the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports holds exclusive live television rights (The Open – official site).
- BBC Radio 5 Live provides live commentary throughout the Championship (The Open – official site).
- US viewers can watch live coverage on NBC and stream on Peacock (Golfbreaks (tournament resource)).
Streaming options for viewers outside the UK
- International broadcasters cover the event – check local sports networks (The Open – official site).
- Streaming via the official Open app or website may be available in some regions (The Open – official site).
Radio coverage and live updates
- BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra offers dedicated commentary (The Open – official site).
- Live leaderboard on the Open website and mobile app (The Open – official site).
Because local broadcast deals vary, a viewer in Australia may have to rely on streaming through the Open app, while a viewer in Germany depends on regional sports networks. Checking the official Open site a month before the tournament is the safest move.
Where and when is The British Open this year?
Location: Royal Portrush Golf Club
Royal Portrush, situated on the north coast of Northern Ireland, hosts its second Open in seven years. It first welcomed the Championship outside England and Scotland in 1951 (Golfbreaks (tournament resource)). The Dunluce Links course has been tweaked since 2019, including two new holes to handle larger crowds (Golfbreaks).
Dates and daily schedule
- Practice rounds: Monday July 14 – Wednesday July 16 (The Open).
- Championship rounds: Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20 (The Open).
- Cut after 36 holes, final round Sunday with trophy presentation (The Open).
Weather expectations for Portrush in July
Northern Ireland’s summer is typically mild, but coastal wind and rain are never far away. Spectators should prepare for changeable conditions – layers and waterproofs are a smart bet.
Who is playing in the British Open 2025?
Full list of qualified players
The field of 156 players is determined by a combination of exemptions and qualifying events (The Open – official site). Top 50 from the Official World Golf Ranking, past Open champions, and winners of select professional tournaments earn places. The R&A also runs Open Qualifying Series events across the globe (Golfbreaks (tournament resource)).
Top contenders and past champions
- Defending champion Scottie Scheffler automatically qualifies (One Club (golf event site)).
- Home favorite Rory McIlroy is expected to compete – he grew up playing links golf in Northern Ireland (Golfbreaks).
- Past Open winners such as Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm are in the mix.
Notable absences and debutants
The final field will not be confirmed until a few weeks before the tournament. Late withdrawals and last-minute qualifiers always reshuffle the list. Debutants include players who earn their spots through Final Qualifying at various UK courses.
What is the schedule for the British Open 2025?
Practice rounds and pro‑am (July 14–16)
Spectators with a practice-day ticket can see players up close. Monday and Tuesday offer the most relaxed viewing (The Open). The pro‑am is typically on Wednesday.
Round 1 & 2 tee times (July 17–18)
Thursday and Friday are the first two championship rounds. Players tee off in pairs from early morning. The cut line falls at the end of round two – the top 70 and ties advance (The Open).
Final rounds and trophy presentation (July 19–20)
- Saturday July 19: Round 3 (Moving Day) – leaders emerge (Golfbreaks).
- Sunday July 20: Final round, with the Claret Jug awarded to the champion (The Open).
- Monday July 21: Championship wrap-up and media events.
Missing the cut means that player won’t be on the course over the weekend. Fans who attend on Friday get to see both the leaders and the emotional exit of those who fall short – a unique insight into tournament pressure.
How to buy British Open 2025 tickets?
Ticket categories and prices
The official Open ticketing page lists General Admission for each day from Sunday July 13 (practice) through Sunday July 20. Adult daily prices range from £25 (practice day) to £130 (championship Sunday) (The Open (official ticketing site)).
- Youth (ages 16–24): 50% of adult price (The Open).
- Junior (under 16): free with a ticket obtained in advance (The Open).
- Ticket Plus (premium access): available from Wednesday July 16 through Sunday, prices £130–£345 (The Open).
Where to purchase official tickets
All tickets are sold exclusively through the Open’s website (theopen.com). Resale platforms such as StubHub and Viagogo occasionally list inventory but carry no guarantee from the R&A.
Hospitality and corporate packages
Hospitality options are available via official partners like PerryGolf (Golfbreaks). These include premium seating, food and drink, and behind-the-scenes access. Prices are significantly higher than General Admission.
How to plan your British Open 2025 experience
- Buy tickets – secure General Admission or Ticket Plus from theopen.com. Junior tickets are free but require advance ordering (The Open).
- Book travel and accommodation – Portrush is roughly 70 miles from Belfast. Hotels and B&Bs fill quickly; expect premium pricing during the week. Consider staying in Belfast and commuting (Golfbreaks).
- Choose your broadcast method – decide whether you will watch on Sky Sports (UK), NBC/Peacock (US), or a local broadcaster. Set up streaming accounts well in advance.
- Follow the schedule – mark practice days, championship rounds, and the cut in your calendar. If attending, plan to be on course early on Sunday for the final pairings.
Timeline: Key dates for the 153rd Open
- July 14–16, 2025 – Practice rounds and pro‑am (The Open)
- July 17, 2025 – Round 1 (The Open)
- July 18, 2025 – Round 2 (cut after 36 holes) (The Open)
- July 19, 2025 – Round 3 (Moving Day) (Golfbreaks)
- July 20, 2025 – Final round and Claret Jug presentation (Golfbreaks)
- July 21, 2025 – Championship wrap‑up and media events (The Open)
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Royal Portrush is hosting the 153rd Open (The Open)
- Dates are July 17–20, 2025 (The Open)
- Scottie Scheffler is defending champion (One Club)
- Sky Sports and BBC are UK broadcasters (The Open)
- Tickets are on sale via theopen.com (The Open)
What remains unclear
- Exact prize fund for 2025 (expected to be announced closer to event) (The Open)
- Full player field – final qualifiers and late withdrawals (Golfbreaks)
- Specific weather conditions during tournament week (Golfbreaks)
- TV schedule for some international markets (confirmed closer to date) (The Open)
- Exact spectator count – Golfbreaks estimates around 190,000 (Golfbreaks)
- Tee time groupings for Round 1 (announced a week before) (The Open)
“The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush promises to be a spectacular event, with redesigned holes and increased spectator capacity.”
– The Open (R&A)
“The atmosphere at Royal Portrush in 2025 will be unmatched – we anticipate nearly 190,000 fans over the week.”
– Golfbreaks (tournament travel partner)
The pattern is clear: the key question for any fan or traveler is whether to commit early or wait for last-minute deals. For the 153rd Open, buying tickets and booking accommodation early is the safer bet – prices rise and availability drops as July approaches. The R&A has already opened pre‑booking for the 2027 Open at St Andrews, reflecting strong demand (The Open). The implication: for a European golf fan in 2025, the choice is between securing your spot now and risking sold‑out events later.
druids.com, theopen.com, vividseats.com, stubhub.com, theopen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the official name of the 2025 British Open?
The official name is the 153rd Open Championship, commonly referred to as The Open. It is organized by The R&A.
How can I get last-minute British Open 2025 tickets?
Last-minute tickets may be available through the official Open website if not sold out. Resale platforms exist but carry no guarantee from the R&A.
Is there a cut at the British Open?
Yes, after 36 holes (Friday) the field is cut to the top 70 players and ties. Those who miss the cut are eliminated.
What is the Claret Jug?
The Claret Jug is the trophy awarded to the winner of The Open Championship. It has been presented since 1872 and is one of the most iconic prizes in golf.
How do players qualify for the British Open?
Players qualify through multiple avenues: top 50 OWGR, past champions, major tour winners, and via Open Qualifying Series events held globally.
Can I bring my own food and drink to the Open?
Yes, spectators are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks in small coolers. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Check the Open’s spectator guidelines for specifics.
Will there be a live leaderboard mobile app?
Yes, the official Open app provides a live leaderboard, player tracking, and video highlights. It is free to download.
What is the prize money for the 2025 British Open?
The exact prize fund has not been confirmed, but it is expected to be around $16.5 million, with the winner earning approximately $3.1 million.