Hometown hero McIlroy leads hot list

THE Open returns to Royal Portrush this week as the world's top golfers descend on Northern Ireland, all with eyes on the Claret Jug.

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We take a look at five of the main contenders to win the 153rd edition of golf’s oldest Major:

Scottie Scheffler (US)

World ranking: 1

The Open best: Tied seventh (2024)

The World No 1 is the pre-tournament favourite after rediscovering the form that brought him a staggering nine titles last season. Scheffler has not finished outside the top 10 at any event since the Players Championship in March.

He lifted his third Major title with victory at the PGA Championship and has won two other PGA Tour events this year.

His record at The Open is weaker than at the other Majors, but he showed signs of getting to grips with links golf last year at Troon, before a disappointing finish saw him end eight shots behind champion Xander Schauffele.

Rory McIlroy (NIR)

World ranking: 2