The Open 2025 at Royal Portrush: Start Time, Odds and How to Watch Live This Week

There’s something about Royal Portrush that makes the golfing world pause and pay attention. As the 153rd Open Championship prepares to tee off on Thursday, 17 July, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. For those wondering when is the match, it’s an early one – the first group heads out at 6.35am UK time. It might be worth setting that alarm.

This major sporting event this weekend is more than just another tournament in the sport event calendar – it’s a homecoming, a rematch with destiny for some, and for others, a chance to make history. The event location and venue details couldn’t be more iconic: Royal Portrush, the rugged, wind-battered links where Shane Lowry once carved his name into Irish folklore.

If you’re keen to catch every swing, how to watch live in the UK is simple – tune into Sky Sports, who’ll begin coverage from 6.30am on Thursday and Friday, and from 9am over the weekend. For streaming buffs, Sky Go or Now TV will have you covered.

Latest William Hill Odds Ahead of the Open

Before we get into the match preview and analysis, let’s talk numbers – because nothing shapes the build-up to a title clash quite like the odds. According to William Hill, world number one Scottie Scheffler leads the latest betting odds at 5-1. That’s a tight price, but understandable given he’s pocketed three wins since May and is bringing momentum, even if links golf hasn’t been his playground in the past.

Breathing down his neck is the man of the hour in Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy. He’s trading at 11-2 with William Hill, and you can bet the galleries at Portrush will be carrying him every step of the way. With a rematch date and details that symbolise redemption, Rory will be chasing not just the Claret Jug, but something far more personal after his 2019 disappointment here.

Jon Rahm, solid and stoic, sits at 12-1 – a dangerous number for a man who’s been consistent in this championship. Fleetwood, DeChambeau, and Lowry – all at 20-1 – offer plenty of underdog chances and intrigue. For bettors eyeing free bet offers, betting promotions for new customers, and more sport betting deals, William Hill has an exclusive 150-1 boost for new punters backing Rory.

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Local Hopes and Fan Expectations

The title clash preview wouldn’t be complete without talking Rory. This is personal. In 2019, nerves got the better of him on home soil, and he missed the cut. Now, with a recent performance overview that includes a runner-up finish in Scotland, he’s looking sharp again.

Yet this course doesn’t forgive emotion. Shane Lowry knows that – it made him, but it can just as easily break someone else. Lowry, who’s drifting at 20-1, hasn’t found consistent form since May, but familiarity with the course and the roar of home support could count for plenty.

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Best Bookmakers Deals For This Event

Dark Horses and Underdog Chances to Watch

There’s something a little cheeky about backing Robert MacIntyre at 22-1. The Scotsman was tied sixth here in 2019 and came second at last month’s US Open. That’s not luck – that’s form.

Elsewhere, defending champion Xander Schauffele is a curious case. He’s still getting back from injury and hasn’t lit up the leaderboard this season, but he’s a proven winner. At 22-1, he’s not being talked about enough, which should probably worry the rest.

And then there’s Ludvig Åberg. Priced the same as Schauffele, his record in Majors doesn’t scream ‘contender’, but he’s got firepower and youth. Whether that translates on Portrush’s dunes remains to be seen.

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What the Weather Could Do to the Title Picture

If there’s one thing that can throw the match expectations into chaos, it’s weather. The forecast’s playing its part – with some rain and gusty spells throughout the four days. It won’t be Armageddon, but at Royal Portrush, even a 9mph breeze can mean calamity, quite literally on the 14th and 16th holes.

Lowry might’ve said it best: “Take it on the chin.” Easy to say when you’ve lifted the Jug here, but it’s a fair summary of the mental battle this course demands.

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The Challenge of Royal Portrush

Portrush isn’t just scenic, it’s savage. The Dunluce Links, renovated since its 2019 edition, demands every shot be shaped with intention. Its notorious par-3 “Calamity Corner” and the coastal par-5 “Curran Point” could be where dreams are made – or die.

As far as championship implications go, the final Major of the year is the last chance to put a stamp on 2025’s golfing story. Win here, and you’re etched into history.

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Prize Money and Championship Stakes

The stakes? How about $17 million in prize money, with $3.1 million to the winner. Not a bad way to close out the season. But more than money, it’s about immortality – names chiseled into a silver jug and etched into the hearts of golf fans forever.

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Betting Preview and Analysis: Who Might Rise or Fall?

Scheffler might be the best in the world, but he’s never cracked the code on linksland. McIlroy? Form is rising, but pressure is thicker than the coastal fog. If you’re here for betting tips and predictions, your best bet might be to let your gut and the weather guide you.

You can explore deeper analysis and tips by clicking here.

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Questions & Answers

Where is the event taking place?
The Open 2025 is being held at the stunning Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. It’s a venue known for unforgiving dunes, shifting winds and some of the finest views in world golf.

How to watch the match?
In the UK, you can watch the full live coverage on Sky Sports from 6.30am Thursday and Friday, and from 9am over the weekend. Sky Go and Now TV will also offer streaming. For those abroad, check your local broadcast schedule.

What time does the match start?
The match date and time are confirmed – the first group tees off at 6.35am UK time on Thursday, 17 July.

Who is the favourite to win?
According to William Hill, Scottie Scheffler leads the odds at 5-1, followed closely by Rory McIlroy at 11-2. Jon Rahm sits third in the market at 12-1.

Are there any underdogs worth backing?
Robert MacIntyre at 22-1 and Shane Lowry at 20-1 both bring solid course knowledge and could sneak into contention if conditions get messy.

Is this the last major of the year?
Yes, this is the final Major on the upcoming match schedule, and it’s packed with key fixture information that could define careers and seasons alike.e for a lively night.

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