The fourth and final major of the year gets under way on Thursday, July 17 as The Open Championship tees off at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

The final major of the season is here. Follow along for live updates, scores, highlights and more from the first round of the 2025 British Open.

The 153rd edition of the British Open is underway at Royal Portrush. Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. That was a fitting choice.

That distinction belongs to world No. 1 and reigning PGA champion Scottie Scheffler. Masters — and Grand Slam — champ McIlroy is a clear second choice, with Jon Rahm, who has three top-10s in his last four Open starts, third.

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

But nobody should ever mistake artificial intelligence for being sappy. USA TODAY Sports canvassed five major AI programs seeking their predictions for the 2025 Open Championship winner and top sleeper picks. The majority went with the pre-tournament favorite, Scottie Scheffler, who is seeking his first Claret Jug.

There is nothing quite like the Open Championship. It is a special tournament in that it is incredibly global and offers a glimpse at some of the most sacred places where golf is and has been played forever. Simply put, it is a very different thing than golf in the United States.

If two or more players are tied through 72 holes of regulation, they will compete over three playoff holes with the scores being added up. If there is still a tie between at least two players, sudden death will be used.

It's major championship week on the PGA Tour, and our BetMGM bonus code MLIVE offers a $150 bonus for the Open Championship.