Royal Portrush: The Stage for Glory

Young Horn
2 minutes ago
3 min read

The final major of the year returns to Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush, a legendary venue with a reputation for drama. Since its last Open in 2019, the Dunluce Links has only grown more intimidating. This is a course sculpted by wind, ocean spray, and centuries of tradition. Its defense? Brutal bunkers, unpredictable gusts, and that notorious 236-yard par-3, Calamity Corner.

But here’s the twist: this is not a bomber’s paradise… or is it? Traditionally, Portrush rewards finesse and precision. However, modern bombers like Bryson DeChambeau have rewritten the playbook, and that’s why this year could be historic.

🎯 The Favorites Going In

Before diving into Bryson, here’s a quick reminder of the power trio:

Scottie Scheffler: The No. 1 player on Earth, ball-striking machine, as steady as they come. He’s the odds-on pick by most pundits.
Rory McIlroy: The homecoming king, chasing redemption on the very course that broke his heart in 2019. The roar at Portrush will be deafening.
Jon Rahm: A man on fire all season, laser-focused, and fully capable of dismantling a links layout.

These guys are all deserving favorites—but Bryson might have the X-factor they lack this week.

💪 Why Bryson DeChambeau Will Win the 2025 Open Championship

1. He’s the Most Transformed Player on Tour

Remember when Bryson was all about bulking up and breaking courses with sheer power? That’s old news. The 2025 Bryson is a hybrid: still insanely long, but now leaner, smarter, and tactical. His weight is down, his speed is up, and his mental game is sharper than ever. He’s kept his insane driving advantage while improving his wedge play and putting.

2. Portrush Is Longer and Meaner—Perfect for His Skill Set

Royal Portrush added distance this time around. Holes like the par-4 fifth and the par-5 seventh are now true tests of carry and control. Most players will be laying back, avoiding trouble. Bryson? He’ll attack. His ability to fly bunkers that others have to play short of will flip this course on its head.

Links courses traditionally neutralize power, but if the wind lays down for even a round or two, Bryson could lap the field.

3. Mental Edge and Confidence

Bryson thrives in chaos. The Open is about adaptability—weather swings, quirky bounces, pressure. Bryson’s obsessive preparation and data-driven mindset give him an edge. He’ll know the roll-outs, the wind angles, and the spin rates for every condition. Plus, after contending in recent majors and winning big events, he has momentum on his side.

4. The New Bryson Short Game

This might be the biggest difference. The old Bryson could overpower courses but struggled when conditions got scrappy. Now? His touch around the greens has leveled up. At Portrush, you need creativity—bump-and-runs, delicate flops from tight lies—and Bryson’s been grinding those shots for years.

🔮 The Formula for Victory

Here’s how it plays out:

Bryson opens with a controlled first round, staying within striking distance.
On Moving Day, with winds calm, he unleashes the driver on a few holes where nobody else dares. Two eagles and a flurry of birdies later, he takes the solo lead.
Sunday? It’s a grind. The wind picks up, players implode, but Bryson’s prep and confidence carry him to the finish. He hoists the Claret Jug with a score around –13, cementing his transformation from “Mad Scientist” to “Open Champion.”

🏆 So Who Wins? Bryson DeChambeau

Forget the narrative that links golf humbles power players. Bryson is no longer a one-dimensional hitter. He’s become the ultimate hybrid golfer—strength, brains, and adaptability. Royal Portrush might be a classic test, but Bryson’s modern game is built for this exact moment.

My Leaderboard Prediction

Bryson DeChambeau – The Claret Jug finally goes to golf’s most innovative mind.
Scottie Scheffler – Solid, but one gear short of Bryson’s explosiveness.
Rory McIlroy – The Portrush crowd lifts him, but the weight of expectation costs him late.
Jon Rahm – A charge that fizzles on Sunday in gale-force winds.
Shane Lowry – The 2019 champ reminds us why he loves links.