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2026 Open Set for Royal Birkdale; Scheffler, McIlroy Favored

7/15/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Open Championship Preview

The 2026 Open Championship will be held at England's Royal Birkdale Golf Club from July 16-19 with 10-20 mph winds Thursday and Friday.
Scottie Scheffler (+750) and Rory McIlroy (+850) open as tournament favorites.
Matt Fitzpatrick, the top strokes-gained approach player, leads the English field.
Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre are projected to finish in the top 5 and top 3.
Bryson DeChambeau could miss the cut at all four 2026 majors.

Summary

Open Adds Qualifier

The Open added a Last Chance Qualifier on Monday, with truck driver Joe Dean earning a spot with a two-under score.
Parking is barred at Royal Birkdale and Hillside and Birkdale, urging spectators to use Merseyrail, park-and-ride or car-share.
Sefton Council and Merseyside Police have imposed rules in Hillside and Birkdale, with practice range moved to Hillside Golf Club and 1935 Art Deco clubhouse by George E. Tonge anchoring the venue.

History

Historical Context

The 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale continues the post-war growth of major sports, a trend that ran alongside Europe’s 1951 launch of the European Coal and Steel Community. The event adds a Last Chance Qualifier that let truck driver Joe Dean compete, while Sefton Council and Merseyside Police manage crowds and promote Merseyrail.

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Open Championship Preview

The 2026 Open Championship will be held at England's Royal Birkdale Golf Club from July 16-19 with 10-20 mph winds Thursday and Friday.
Scottie Scheffler (+750) and Rory McIlroy (+850) open as tournament favorites.
Matt Fitzpatrick, the top strokes-gained approach player, leads the English field.
Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre are projected to finish in the top 5 and top 3.
Bryson DeChambeau could miss the cut at all four 2026 majors.

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