Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Scheffler Defends Open Title on Tight Birkdale Fairways

7/15/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will defend his Open title at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19.
Scheffler’s odds have slipped to +620, the longest since 2023, while Rory McIlroy is the second-favorite at +850.
Scheffler said Royal Birkdale’s fairways are “really tight” and that holes 14, 15, 16, 5 and 7 have severe slope and challenging greens after recent renovations.

History

Historical Context

Royal Birkdale, which debuted as Open venue in 1954 and has hosted ten championships through 2017—including Jordan Spieth’s 2017 win—has been repeatedly reshaped, with all 18 greens rebuilt in 1993 after Ian Baker-Finch’s 1991 triumph. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the 2025 Open champion, will contend for the title on the demanding links.

1 of 2

Story summary

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will defend his Open title at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19.
Scheffler’s odds have slipped to +620, the longest since 2023, while Rory McIlroy is the second-favorite at +850.
Scheffler said Royal Birkdale’s fairways are “really tight” and that holes 14, 15, 16, 5 and 7 have severe slope and challenging greens after recent renovations.

1 / 2