Rory McIlroy will be roared on in his homeland as the 153rd British Open gets underway at Royal Portrush on Thursday as world number one Scottie Scheffler seeks his first Claret Jug.The world number three has not won a tournament since lifting the Claret Jug a year ago and has not even managed a top-five finish in 12 tournaments this year.

For proof of this dynamic, look no further than the varied reactions to Scottie Scheffler's comments on Tuesday at Royal Portrush. His words revealed not a man searching for purpose, but one who had already found it—words that could help his fellow superstar return from an existential rut.

Golf expert Sia Nejad has revealed his Open Championship 2025 picks and PGA best bets for Royal Portrush, beginning Thursday, July 17

Two-time major winner Tony Jacklin CBE has predicted Scottie Scheffler will win The 2025 Open, which starts today. Groupings and tee times for the 153rd Open were announced on Tuesday, and the defending champion Xander Schauffele will be grouped with the former world No.