July 15, 2025: As the 2025 Open Championship tees off at Royal Portrush, the spotlight naturally shines on familiar names—Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau. Scheffler, Rahm, and DeChambeau are still hunting their first Open win, while McIlroy returns to Northern Ireland looking to lift the Claret Jug once again.
But with 152 other players in the field, history tells us to expect the unexpected. From young breakout stars to experienced veterans, there are plenty of dark horses who could steal the show this week. Here’s a look at five sleeper picks whose odds may be long—but whose potential is real:
1. Jordan Spieth (55-1)
Spieth’s consistency at The Open is unmatched—never a missed cut in 11 starts, five top 10s, and a win in 2017. A neck injury forced him out of the Travelers Championship, but if he’s fully fit, his creative game thrives on links courses. Spieth’s history suggests he’ll be in the mix again.
2. Cameron Young (80-1)
Young has quietly become a strong Open performer with two top 10s, including a runner-up finish, in just three starts. His T4 at this year’s U.S. Open shows he’s heating up at the right time, and he tends to elevate his play at majors.
3. Ryan Fox (90-1)
The New Zealander is enjoying a career-best season with two PGA Tour wins. His links experience and strong form in majors make him a serious sleeper threat at Royal Portrush.
4. Dean Burmester (170-1)
With two top-20s in three Open starts, Burmester has shown he can contend. Though consistency is a concern, he’s proven capable of early fireworks—and at 170-1, he’s worth a shot.
5. Thriston Lawrence (200-1)
Lawrence is high-risk, high-reward. A top-5 finish at last year’s Open and a strong U.S. Open showing this year prove he can hang in majors. If he brings his A-game, he could make a serious run.
With unpredictable weather, firm fairways, and a history of upsets, The Open remains golf’s most wide-open major. Keep an eye on these five names—Royal Portrush may be primed for another surprise.