Story perspectives

Scheffler odds-on favorite as Open opens July 16 at Royal Birkdale

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 Open Championship opens on Thursday, July 16 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler leads the betting at odds-on +500.
Major winners Rory McIlroy (+750), Aaron Rai and Wyndham Clark (+10000) are in the field.
Wyndham Clark’s odds improved from +12500 earlier in the year to +10000 by mid-July.
Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood (+1600) and Matt Fitzpatrick (+2000) rank near the top alongside Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele (+1600 each).

History

Historical Context

At the 124th Open in July 1995, unexpected outsider John Daly captured St Andrews, marking the tournament’s first appearance for Tiger Woods and final showing for Arnold Palmer. The Open, staged each third Friday of July by the R&A, now returns to Royal Birkdale where defending champion Scottie Scheffler and long-shot Wyndham Clark vie for the title.

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Story summary

The 2026 Open Championship opens on Thursday, July 16 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler leads the betting at odds-on +500.
Major winners Rory McIlroy (+750), Aaron Rai and Wyndham Clark (+10000) are in the field.
Wyndham Clark’s odds improved from +12500 earlier in the year to +10000 by mid-July.
Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood (+1600) and Matt Fitzpatrick (+2000) rank near the top alongside Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele (+1600 each).

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