Tag: The Open Championship

Early 2026 Golf Major Predictions

Posted on by Ivana Miteva
Golf Major Predictions for 2026

The Masters

Location: Augusta National

Winner: Rory McIlroy

After conquering Augusta at last in 2025, Rory McIlroy heads back as a Masters champion. With a different locker room and a completely different mindset, Rory will be looking to go back-to-back. He is playing with no pressure on his shoulders. And a free Rory is dangerous, especially at Augusta, a place that brought him so much disappointment for years.

I expect a Rory vs Scottie Scheffler showdown. And I think Rory will come out on top.

Watch out for: Xander Schauffele

After an injury driven 2025 season, the two-time major champion will be looking to move one step closer to completing the career Grand Slam. His record at Augusta speaks for itself. He had five top ten finishes in his last seven Masters appearances.

Schauffele is a proven high-pressure performer. And he is someone to watch early in the season as we see where his game stands following a long offseason focused on recovery from his 2025 setbacks.

PGA Championship

Location: Aronimink Golf Club

Winner: Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau’s last five PGA Championship finishes are T4, T38, T4, 2nd, and T2. The LIV Golf and YouTube star clearly loves the PGA Championship. His power combined with his unique approach to course management could be a major advantage at Aronimink.

The course setup is expected to feature thick, lush May rough, something Bryson has the strength to power his way out of. The rough will be extremely difficult, and officials will hope to have the course playing hard and fast if the weather cooperates. If Bryson can get the Philly crowd behind him while in contention on Sunday, I believe he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Watch out for: Marco Penge

This is a bold call, but Penge has serious power in his game. Length and power are key traits for competing in PGA Championships. Not many players possess more of it than the up-and-coming PGA Tour recruit Marco Penge.

I think we could see him near the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round. Although, he may fade slightly due to his lack of experience in major championships. Still, he unquestionably has the game to compete against the strongest fields in the world.

U.S Open

Location: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Winner: Scottie Scheffler

Will Scottie Scheffler complete the Grand Slam at Shinnecock Hills? I absolutely think he will, and I do not believe there is a U.S Open course better suited to his game. He is a generational talent and a relentless competitor. Perfectly built for the demands of Shinnecock Hills.

Watch out for: Brooks Koepka

Koepka won the 2018 U.S Open at Shinnecock Hills with a final score of plus one. He is a grinder and a big game player, and following his recent departure from LIV Golf, I believe he will be refreshed and motivated to compete again in major championships.

Whether he returns through the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour, assuming his eligibility can be resolved, it is something to watch closely. A well prepared and under the radar Koepka is a threat in any field. With both Koepka and Rory McIlroy sitting on five major championships, it will be interesting to see who lands the next blow as they enter the next stage of their careers. A tough and windy course brings out the best iron players in the world, and when Brooks’ game is in the right place, he is one of them. He hunts major championships.

The Open Championship

Location: Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Winner: Tommy Fleetwood

A hometown hero story? You would love to see it. Tommy Fleetwood grew up in the Southport area. And naturally, a home Open Championship arriving at the peak of his career feels like the perfect recipe for success. I am hopeful the stars will align.

Royal Birkdale is far more than just another venue for Fleetwood. It is an area where his dreams of being a golfer started and a place he knows out of the back of his hand.

It is a huge year for Tommy after winning the FedEx Cup in 2025, and the next missing piece in his trophy cabinet is a major championship. If everything comes together, Birkdale could be the perfect fairy tale.

Watch out for: Jordan Spieth

Known as a links master, Jordan Spieth won at Royal Birkdale in 2017 in spectacular fashion, hitting one of the most famous recovery shots in Open Championship history on the 13th hole after a wild drive. His game is one to watch this season. Spieth has struggled with consistency in the past years. But there is hope for another spike in form. At 32 years old, many would say he should be entering a golden age for pro golfers. And playing on the English coast could bring back some of those unforgettable memories that made him a Champion Golfer of the Year in 2017.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.


Royal Portrush Golf Club

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

Host of The Open 2025

When it comes to links golf, Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the finest courses in the world. It’s nestled on the stunning Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. It’s not just about the world-class golf here—the surrounding beauty, history, and nearby attractions make this destination a must-visit for golfers and non-golfers alike. The Open Championship is returning in 2025. So, there’s no better time to explore this legendary course and its vibrant surroundings.

A Course Fit for Champions

Founded in 1888, Royal Portrush is steeped in history and tradition. It’s home to two exceptional courses: the Dunluce Links, the star of the show, and the Valley Links, which offers a fun, yet still challenging, alternative.

The Dunluce Links is a masterpiece of links golf. Carved through dramatic dunes, it’s a thrilling test for golfers of all levels. The stunning ocean views can make even a bad round feel like a win. The course has hosted many major tournaments, but it’s most famous for staging The Open Championship. The most recent one was in 2019, when Irishman Shane Lowry claimed victory in front of raucous home crowds.

In 2025, The Open returns to Royal Portrush, cementing the club’s place on the global stage once again. With the course’s legendary design—including the treacherous 16th hole, aptly named “Calamity Corner”—and the wild Irish weather that often plays its part, you can expect another exciting chapter in Open history. Golfers and fans from around the world will flock to this iconic venue to witness the world’s best take on one of the sport’s ultimate challenges.

The Giants Causeway: A Natural Wonder Nearby

Just a short drive from the course is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks, the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect way to spend a day when you’re not on the links. You can walk along the stunning coastal paths or simply marvel at the unique rock formations. It’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to soak in Northern Ireland’s natural beauty.

Portstewart Golf Club: A Neighbor Worth Visiting

As if Royal Portrush wasn’t enough to satisfy your golfing appetite, just down the road is another gem of a course: Portstewart Golf Club. Located less than 15 minutes away, Portstewart is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor. But make no mistake—it’s one of the finest links courses in its own right.

The Strand Course at Portstewart is a visual treat, with towering dunes, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, and some of the best opening holes in links golf. It’s hosted major tournaments too, including the 2017 Irish Open. It offers a slightly different test to Royal Portrush. Playing both courses in one trip gives you a true taste of Northern Ireland’s golf scene, which rivals anywhere in the world.

Why You Should Visit Royal Portrush

A trip to Royal Portrush Golf Club is more than just a golf outing—it’s an adventure. The club’s history, its stunning location, and the excitement surrounding The Open 2025 make it a bucket-list destination for any golfer. Pair it with visits to nearby attractions like the Giant’s Causeway and a round at Portstewart Golf Club, and you’ve got the ultimate Irish golf experience.

My First Predictions for the 2025 Major Championships

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

The Masters 

April 10th-13th 2025 at Augusta National Golf Club

I have predicted my winner of The Masters 2025 already. I can’t see much changing my mind from now until April. That player is the Swedish superstar Ludvig Aberg. He had his first taste of major championship golf this year. He learnt so many lessons from the experiences and positions he put himself in. He could have won The Masters and The US Open. But, there were the errors he made on the 11th hole at Augusta in Round 4 and the 13th hole at Pinehurst No.2 in Round 3.

He has learnt from these mistakes now and must have grown as a player by experiencing them at such an early stage in his career. It can only do him good in my opinion. I feel he will be one of the only players to be able to compete week in, week out with the two at the top of the game, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Augusta National is set up for Aberg to relish. His driving capabilities plotted around the course with real ease and he seemed to really enjoy the pace of the greens throughout the week. Nothing seemed to faze him!

Source: Pexels Images

PGA Championship

May15th-18th 2025 at Quail Hollow Golf Club

The player I think is going to win the PGA Championship 2025 has a ridiculously strong record at Quail Hollow. He won four times at the North Carolina course. Rory McIlroy has a real love affair with the place and I can see him finally securing another major after an 11 year draught. With what happened at the US Open this year, I do feel that most golf fans have lost hope on Rory in the major championships and I think this is the best thing for him.

He has hit rock bottom and now he can play with the freedom he needs to get over the line. He will not hit a lower point in his career than where he was at Pinehurst No.2. It’s not possible. He definitely has more majors in him, and maybe a win at the PGA Championship will kickstart another major run which we all want to see happen. It would be amazing for the game of golf!

US Open

June 12th-15th at Oakmont Country Club

Xander Schauffele has a ridiculous US Open record. It’s insane to think he has not already won a US Open title with the consistency he has shown. After winning two majors in a breakout year in 2024,  I think he will finally get over the line at Oakmont. Schauffele suits most course types. He hardly has a weakness which is why he can tackle any type of US Open. Below are Schauffele’s US Open finishes:

2017 – T5

2018 – T6

2019 – T3

2020 – 5th

2021 – T7

2022 – T14

2023 – T10

2024 – T7

This level of consistency on some of the toughest challenges in golf has to eventually lead into a win, and I don’t see why it wouldn’t be in 2025!

The Open Championship

July 17th-20th at Royal Portrush Golf Club

I’m picking someone rather rogue to win at Royal Portrush. He has been far from his best for years now. But every time an Open Championship comes around, I think of Royal Birkdale in 2017. Jordan Spieth’s golf game is built for links golf. He is creative, his short game is magical and he is a competitor in all conditions. He’s recently had surgery in his wrist and is having some time off to recover. This will be a reset button for Spieth and he will enjoy a fresh start in January.

2025 is a home Ryder Cup year for the USA and they will need Spieth to be at his best for it. This will motivate him and I think it’s about time we started to see him competing again, especially in the major championships, where he entertained golf fans so early in his career. Links golf in Northern Ireland is as good as it gets, and I can’t think of anyone better to rise to the occasion more than a healthy and motivated Jordan Spieth.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.