**2025 British Open (Open Championship) Thread**

[Fumbleweed 547]

British Open (or Open Championship) is now less than a week away. Per my usual custom, here is my list of my top ten favorites. Picks are subject to change a bit also depending on what happens this weekend, but probably not much. It's a return to Royal Portrush this year, where Shane Lowry broke through six years ago. The British is tied with the Masters as my favorite major, so really looking forward to this year as always. 

Top Ten:

1. Viktor Hovland- Consistency has been something of an issue this year, but it is time for Hovland to take the next step. If not here, very soon.

2. Ludvig Aberg- Like Hovland, he’s been knocking on the door and I think he and Hovland are sort of co-favorites in my book. 

3. Scottie Scheffler- I do think Scottie will win an Open eventually, but think he’ll fall just short in this one.

4. Jon Rahm- Despite Bryson’s recent success in majors, I still believe Rahm is LIV’s overall best golfer. Great shot at contending again in Ireland.

5. Robert McIntyre- Impossible to ignore how close he came at the US Open. Generally formidable playing close to home.

6. Matt Fitzpatrick- Quietly, Fitzpatrick is starting to play well again. I like him to be a factor in this tournament. 

7. Rory McIlroy- Missed the cut at Portrush last time around, but I think he’ll perform much better this time out.

8. Tommy Fleetwood- Still smarting from his collapse at the Travelers, I think Fleetwood will start slow at Portrush, but close well enough for a back door top ten.

9. Maverick McNealy- Kind of a longshot, but I think McNealy will surprise the next couple of years at majors.

10. Joaquin Niemann- Finally got his first top ten in a major earlier this year. Could pick up a second here.
 

I know there are some big omissions here- namely Schauffele, Morikawa, and DeChambeau. Something tells me this won’t be their week. I’ll probably be eating those words by next Sunday. 

[Fumbleweed 547]

Aberg and Hovland underperforming thus far. Good starts for nearly everyone else in this top ten.