Post expert makes 2025 Open championship picks

The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro makes his picks for this week’s Open championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland:

Jon Rahm

He’s been in good form on LIV, loves links golf and won a Scottish Open a few miles up the road from Portrush, at Portstewart in 2017. Rahm, who’s finished T-7 at the U.S. Open, T-8 at the PGA and T-14 at the Masters this year, is hungry to win his third major. 

Spain’s Jon Rahm in action on the 3rd hole during a practice round. REUTERS

Viktor Hovland

He’s getting close, having finished third at the U.S. Open, and he’s finished T-12, T-4 and T-13 in British Opens, though missing the cut last year. Watch out for him this week. 

Rory McIlroy

Despite the pressure on him, it’s difficult to discount McIlroy this week, especially coming off his runner-up last week at the Scottish Open. He has a score to settle at Portrush, where he missed the cut in 2019. He seems to be coming out of his post-Masters funk. 

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy watches his iron shot from the 18th tee during practice ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 15, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler finished T-8 last week at the Scottish and just seems so relaxed in his own skin. His record at Open Championships has been the more mixed of any of the other majors, with his best finish a T-7 last year. That may change this week. 

Shane Lowry

Can he defend the Open title he won in 2019 at Portrush? Sure. The home crowd will boost him, like it will for Rory. Lowry comes in this week rankled by his play at the majors this year — missed cuts at the PGA and U.S. Open and a tie for 42nd at the Masters. He has, however, come close to winning in other PGA Tour events this year.