Phil Kenyon reveals who he thinks are the favorites to win the 2025 Open Championship

Die hard golf fans will surely remember who won at Royal Portrush in 2019, but for some of those who need a reminder, we’re here for you. Shane Lowry won his first major six years ago and is a favorite to do it again. Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest golf odds, putting coach Phil Kenyon said that he thought the Irish golfers are favorites to win again in 2025.

“I remember The Open in 2019 well actually because he played with Tommy Fleetwood in the last group and I was working with Tommy back then. So, I was rooting for Tommy, Kenyon said. “I thought Shane did an unbelievable job. You could feel the emotion as he walked down 18, you know, amongst his own fans and what an achievement that must have been.”

Of course Rory McIlroy is a fan favorite and the bookies think he can win the Claret Jug in 2025 after a strong performance at last week’s Scottish Open. “I think he’ll be better for that experience going back this year. I expect him to have a great week. Obviously, there is a lot to play for; it’s a major in his backyard where he grew up and he’s played well at the Scottish Open,” Kenyon said. “There’s always a period of adjustment when you’ve achieved a significant milestone in your career. Rory gets so much media attention; it must take its toll. So, I think he’ll be relishing the opportunity to go back and play, and I expect him to be right up there come Sunday.”

Importance of playing in front of the home crowd

“The Irish crowds are unbelievable. After last time I walked away thinking, ‘Wow, what a week, what a venue, what support. They don’t get access to a lot of championship golf, professional level over there,” Kenyon said. “His support is going to be unbelievable. He’s not just an icon within golf. Now Rory’s at that stage where he almost transcends golf. Even people who don’t play golf will know who he is and what he’s about. And just calling Rory, that’s a sign of the times. That’s the sign of the level he’s at now. Tiger, Rory and Scottie are the players that are in a league of their own.”

Rory is the favorite, but don’t rule out Lowry

The two Irish golfers will have plenty of support. Although McIlroy is the favorite, Lowry skipped the Scottish Open to play some links golf around Ireland and he is focused on winning his second major at the same venue where he won in 2019.

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“I’m sure he’s looking forward to going back and kind of like defending in a way. Shane has been playing really well this year. So he’ll be going back excited at the opportunity to do it all again,” Kenyon said. “His long game has been great. And if he can get kind of warm with a putter, he’ll have a chance.”

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