Rain showers can be expected at times for the 153rd Open Championship, which is being hosted on the coast of Northern Ireland.

It has been variously described as a “beast”, a “card-wrecker” and “236 yards of pure terror”. So by the time I reach the 16th hole at Royal Portrush, better known as “Calamity Corner”, on a blustery day back in April,

SportsLine golf expert Brady Kannon just locked in his PGA Tour best bets for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Golf's oldest championship returns to Royal Portrush. It's the third time the British Open has gone to the Northern Ireland links. Shane Lowry won in 2019.

The crowds following Rory McIlroy for three days at Royal Portrush have been enormous, a reminder of the expectations. On banners and flags and buntings of grandstands there are images of the claret jug,

Royal Portrush is not only open to visitors, but its yearly membership dues are what the average American golfer spends on public tee times.

In 2019, it was the first-ever sold-out Open. It was a hugely significant moment for Northern Ireland after a troubled past.

Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to a beautiful links-style layout for players to contend with this week, but its unique design is presenting quite a challenge