Ranking the five best golfers suited for links golf right now

Speaking of Royal Portrush hosting the Open Championship, Lowry won that tournament in 2019 by a dominant six shots. It came as no surprise considering Lowry grew up in Ireland and has a ton of experience playing links courses exactly like Royal Portrush.

Lowry has finished T21 or better in four of his last five Open Championship starts. He's gained strokes on approach in 13 of his 16 starts this season, leading to 10 top-25 finishes. If the putter cooperates at Royal Portrush, Lowry should find himself in contention again.

3. Jon Rahm

Rahm loves links golf, as evidenced by his finishes of T7, T2, T34, T3 and T11 in his last five Open Championship starts. The Spaniard hasn't won a tournament since LIV Golf Dallas in September 2024, but he has eight DP World Tour victories on his resume and finished T7 at the 2024 Dunhill Links Championship. 

Despite his recent drought, Rahm has finished T14 or better in each of his last 11 starts. He's beyond due for a win, and Royal Portrush could be the perfect venue for Rahm to snap the streak. 

2. Tommy Fleetwood

There's a reason Fleetwood is always high up on the odds board even though he doesn't have a PGA Tour win on his resume. The Englishman has won eight times overseas and is one of the best links players in the world. 

Fleetwood has finished runner-up, T26, T4, T6 and T34 in five career starts at the Genesis Scottish Open. He's also recorded four top-12 finishes in his last six Open Championship starts. If Fleetwood is ever going to grab his first PGA Tour win, the UK double is probably a good bet.

1. Rory McIlroy

No surprises here. McIlroy has a win and seven top-10 finishes in his Open Championship career, and he's more familiar with Royal Portrush than any player in the world. The Northern Irishman grew up about an hour away from 2025 Open Championship venue. 

McIlroy hasn't played his best golf since winning the Masters in April, but he's an exceptional wind player and loves to use his creativity around these unique links greens.