Golf’s oldest major always brings drama, chaos, and calm. But the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush delivered something extra – a mix of elite and offbeat that reminded us why this game can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful. From a World No. 1 proving his point to a veteran making magic and even a Buddhist monk holding his own on the biggest stage, this Open had stories we won’t soon forget.
We go through some of the highlights that made this Open Championship one for the ages.
The Champion and the Claret Jug
Scottie Scheffler came to Portrush as the number one player in the world and left with the Claret Jug and a big stamp on his legacy. His final round 68, including birdies on 9 and 12, erased an early 8th hole stumble that had him under pressure. By the 18th tee it was clear – he had this one wrapped up.
What stood out wasn’t just his solid ball striking or his mental toughness under pressure but his rare emotional outburst after tapping in for par to win. Usually stoic, Scheffler roared and hugged his caddie, then his wife and baby boy just off the green. For all his dominance, the human moment at the finish line is what resonated most.
Rory’s Homecoming and Redemption
For Rory McIlroy, this was more than just another Open. It was a homecoming. Having missed the cut in the 2019 Open at Portrush in disappointing fashion, this 2025 Open was a chance for a kind of spiritual do-over.
And the crowd responded. Thousands followed McIlroy every step of the way, chanting his name from the first tee to the final putt. His Saturday eagle on the 12th was seismic – the fans erupted in a sound that echoed across the dunes. McIlroy called it “one of the coolest” moments of his career. He didn’t win – finished tied 7th – but his round was met with standing ovations. This wasn’t a defeat – it was a celebration.
Two Balls, One Swing
In a bizarre scene that felt like a comedy sketch, McIlroy found himself in the rough on the 11th hole during Saturday’s third round. He took his stance, swung, and watched two golf balls fly out in different directions.
Turns out one was hidden just beneath his own in the thick grass. The double-ball contact left him and his playing partners stunned. He paused, then laughed it off. It was one of those unscripted, truly weird moments that only links golf can produce. McIlroy took it in stride saying later it was “the most ridiculous thing” he’d ever seen on a course.
Justin Thomas Casts a Spell
Saturday also brought some levity courtesy of Justin Thomas. Lining up a long birdie putt on the 3rd green, Thomas decided to “charm” his golf ball into the hole. Literally. With a flourish of his fingers, he mimed casting a Harry Potter style spell before stroking the putt.
The ball missed but the gallery erupted in laughter. It was a moment of pure fun in the midst of all the tension and it quickly went viral online. Thomas later admitted it was his way of breaking the tension – and clearly it worked.
A Hole-in-One and a Dream Reignited
John Parry may not be a household name but delivered one of the week’s most exciting moments on Saturday. On the 13th hole, he hit a perfect 8-iron that never left the flagstick. The ball pitched once and rolled straight in for an ace.
Parry raised his arms in shock as the fans cheered wildly. For a 38-year-old journeyman who recently re-qualified for the DP World Tour, it was a career defining moment. His caddie sprinted over for a fist bump. He hadn’t made an Open cut in years, and it was a reminder that on any given day, magic can happen.
When the Crowd Found a New Hero
One of the more unexpected moments came during the Saturday round featuring McIlroy, Scheffler, and England’s Jordan Smith. As the group moved between holes, the crowd’s attention naturally shifted between the two stars – until Smith walking behind them received a sudden surge of cheers himself. He grinned sheepishly, visibly shocked. Later, Smith admitted he was “crapping himself” just from the energy. But the fans had clearly taken to him. It was a lovely moment of shared recognition – sometimes even lesser-known players can win the crowd over.
The Monk Who Stayed Cool
Another quiet performer was Thai pro Sadom Kaewkanjana. A former Buddhist monk, he had an air of calm about him all week that was in stark contrast to the pressure-filled atmosphere. His disciplined routine and quiet focus helped him shoot a 68 in the opening round, finally finishing tied for 11th.
Though he didn’t make the headlines, those following closely saw his story as quietly inspiring. From monk to golf’s biggest stage, Kaewkanjana’s journey was a study in calm under pressure – and a beautiful reminder of golf’s global reach.
The Precision Championship
While fans love chaos and drama at The Open, Royal Portrush this year was pristine and fair – almost too fair for some. The weather was mild and the setup rewarded precision over power. One fan even called it “boring as hell,” missing the usual gale force winds and wild bounces.
But for purists the tournament was golf at its most exacting. It was about execution not escapism. In that sense Portrush delivered a masterclass. The drama wasn’t from disaster but from details – shot shapes, course management, mental toughness. And in that it was quietly thrilling.
Scheffler’s Steely Nerve
What truly defined Scheffler’s week beyond the numbers was his composure. All week, he was surgical with his shot selection and almost unflappable. His only outward emotion came after a critical birdie putt on the 6th hole on Sunday – a small fist pump, quickly withdrawn.
He wasn’t just playing against the field – he was mastering the course itself. As other players cracked under the pressure, Scheffler’s calm spread. His final walk down the 18th wasn’t just a victory lap – it was a lesson in how greatness often arrives without theatrics.