Is Scottie Scheffler still the clear No. 1 entering The Open? Is Rory McIlroy ready to win in Northern Ireland?

Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is hosting The Open Championship for the third time and native son Rory McIlroy is a favorite.

Backspin: His year was slowed by a rib injury that kept him out for two months. Padraig Harrington (2007-08), Tiger Woods (2005-06) and Tom Watson (1982-83) are the only back-to-back Open champions the last 50 years.

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the site of Shane Lowry's triumph in 2019. As has been the case all year, the strong favorites entering the tournament are Scottie Scheffler (9/2) and Rory McIlroy (7-1).

Here's a look at the tee times and groups for the first and second rounds of the 2025 Open Championship on Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 18.

Gotterup held on late Sunday to top McIlroy and the rest of the field and win the Genesis Scottish Open. That marked his second career PGA Tour win and earned the 25-year-old one of the final spots into next week's British Open.

Who will win the 153rd Open Championship? Our experts dive into all the twists and turns of the year's final major