The weather at Royal Portrush looks challenging for this year’s Open Championship. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, low temperatures, and gusty winds are expected throughout the week. For many, a nightmare. For Tiger Woods, just another hurdle to overcome.
Before the tournament kicks off on July 17, the three-time Open champion made it clear he’s not interested in complaints. In a recent post from his brand Sun Day Red, he dropped four words that are already making headlines: “Just deal with it.” Short, direct, and excuse-free.
Woods locked in with a winning mindset
Woods acknowledged it’s going to be tough: “It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be windy, yes,” he said, but also emphasized that this is part of the game. “There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s an outdoor sport. You just keep going and adjust.”
That mindset is shared by Xander Schauffele, the reigning Open champion. The American noted that on links courses, it all starts with mentality: “You’ve got to visualize more than just hitting the ball. The weather is part of the challenge.”
Weather will be a key factor at Royal Portrush
Thursday is expected to be the toughest day, with thunderstorms in the forecast. Rain chances decrease on Friday, but the weekend brings fresh uncertainty. Players with early tee times on Thursday and late starts on Friday may gain a slight edge.
Given these conditions, players will adapt their strategies. Expect more low punches, bump-and-run techniques to keep the ball close to the ground, and putts from off the green-all efforts to prevent the wind from dictating the tournament’s outcome.
Robert MacIntyre ready for the chaos
One player unfazed by the bad weather is Robert MacIntyre. The Scotsman grew up playing on links courses and feels right at home at Royal Portrush. “This is my favorite course in the world,” he said. He’s no stranger to the venue: back in 2019, he made his major debut here and finished in the top 10.
MacIntyre knows how to read the greens, adjust to the wind, and stay composed when everything around him shifts. “If the wind is howling, you’ve got to adjust your stance, your tempo, everything. But it’s in my blood now,” he said with confidence.
The 2025 Open will be a true test
One thing’s for sure: this edition of The Open Championship will be as much a mental battle as a technical one. Royal Portrush will demand not only shot-making precision but also patience and resilience. The weather will be a true opponent on the course.
But if Tiger Woods has shown anything throughout his career, it’s that he knows how to win under any circumstances. And if his message was clear, it’s because he truly believes it: “Just deal with it.” Because complaining doesn’t win majors. Adapting does.
Read the full article here
