The 2026 Open Championship kicks off today at Royal Birkdale, marking the return of golf's oldest major to a storied venue where Jordan Spieth triumphed in 2017.
Why it matters: This year's tournament is particularly notable as it features a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, all vying for the coveted Claret Jug. With a record purse of $17.5 million, including $3.2 million for the winner, the stakes are higher than ever.
- The Open Championship is the last major tournament of the golf year, drawing the best players worldwide.
- Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open 10 times, making it a historic site for the championship.
- Jordan Spieth’s win in 2017 remains fresh in the minds of fans and competitors alike.
Driving the news: The tournament comes on the heels of Scottie Scheffler's shocking missed cut at the Scottish Open, marking his first failure to make the weekend in 78 events. As the defending champion and world No. 1, Scheffler's performance will be closely examined.
- Scheffler's last missed cut occurred at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship, a streak that spanned 1,428 days.
- He remains a favorite at +750 odds, alongside Rory McIlroy, who is listed at +850.
- McIlroy, the two-time reigning Masters champion, aims to end his British Open drought, having not won since 2014.
State of play: The field includes 156 players, with the top 70 and ties making the cut. Notable contenders include Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood, both eager to capitalize on their home advantage.
- Fitzpatrick and Fleetwood are both at 16-1 odds, aiming to clinch their first major championship.
- Jon Rahm, coming off a second-place finish at the PGA Championship, is another key player to watch at 22-1.
- Other American hopefuls include Collin Morikawa at 30-1 and Cameron Young at 35-1.
The big picture: Royal Birkdale's layout presents unique challenges, with narrow fairways and firm greens expected to test players' skills. The course has undergone renovations since its last hosting of The Open, enhancing its competitive nature.
- Renovations include redesigned holes and improved drainage, making the course more accessible yet still challenging.
- Players will face an average green speed of 10.5 to 11 on the stimpmeter, slower than typical PGA Tour greens.
- The weather forecast predicts mild conditions, with temperatures in the mid-70s and light winds, conducive to scoring.
What they're saying: Players have expressed excitement about returning to Royal Birkdale, emphasizing the significance of the venue in their careers.
- "This is one of the best places to play golf. The history here is incredible," said McIlroy, who has finished in the top 10 three times in the last five years.
- Tom Kim, who recently ended a 1,001-day winless drought at the Genesis Scottish Open, is looking to build on his momentum.
- "I’m feeling good and ready to compete against the best," Kim said after his recent success.
By the numbers: The Open Championship has seen various trends and statistics that often predict success.
- 12 of the last 15 winners had at least one top-five finish in their six events leading up to The Open.
- 18 of the last 25 winners had at least one victory earlier in the season.
- 13 of the last 15 winners had previously posted a top-10 finish at The Open.
Between the lines: The competitive field includes both established veterans and promising newcomers, making for an unpredictable tournament.
- Players like Viktor Hovland and Joaquin Niemann are looking to make their mark after strong performances this season.
- Hovland’s recent trends show a mix of highs and lows, but his potential remains undeniable.
- Niemann aims to continue his upward trend following a T7 finish at the U.S. Open.
What's next: As the tournament progresses, attention will turn to how players adapt to the course and conditions.
- The first round will provide insights into who may contend for the title as the week continues.
- Live coverage of The Open Championship is available on Peacock and USA Network, with updates on scores and highlights as they happen.
- Fans can expect thrilling moments as players navigate the challenges of Royal Birkdale.
The 2026 Open Championship is set to deliver excitement and drama as the world's best golfers compete for the prestigious Claret Jug. With its rich history and challenging layout, Royal Birkdale will likely be the perfect stage for this major showdown.