Story perspectives

Scheffler leads field at 2026 Open, McIlroy and Fleetwood in hunt

7/17/2026

Summary

Scheffler Defends

The 2026 Open Championship opened Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returned as defending champion and favorite for a fifth major.
Rory McIlroy sought a second Claret Jug.
Tommy Fleetwood tried to become the first English Open champion since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992.
U.S. viewers could watch the first round at 4 a.m. ET on USA Network/Peacock, while UK audiences saw round-the-clock Sky Sports coverage.

Summary

Scheffler Favored

The Open champion will earn $3.2 million, 18 % of the $17.75 million purse, largest Open fund yet smallest major.
Odds at 10 a.m. ET on July 15 list golfers Scottie Scheffler +750, Rory McIlroy +900 and Tommy Fleetwood +1600.
The 156-player field includes three Genesis Scottish Open qualifiers, a 12-for-1 Last-Chance newcomer, and eleven LIV Golf participants.
Thursday’s forecast predicts clear skies, low-80s temperatures and a 10-15 mph northeast wind, unusually warm for the Open.

Summary

Scheffler Opens

Scottie Scheffler opened with a two-under 68, birdieing four of his first six holes before bogeying 7 and 17, while his partner Bryson DeChambeau posted a 67, one stroke better.
Scheffler joked his receding hair and turning 30 on Father’s Day won’t affect his game, and the humor boosts popularity.
After missing the Genesis cut, Scheffler said his strong first round gives him confidence heading into the Open.

History

Historical Context

Nick Faldo’s third Open victory in 1992 at Muirfield marked his fifth major and added to his three Open titles (1987, 1990, 1992), highlighting England’s rare success in the championship. The Open, rotating among historic links such as Royal Birkdale, returns in 2026, where Englishman Tommy Fleetwood seeks to echo Faldo’s achievement and revive national pride.

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Scheffler Defends

The 2026 Open Championship opened Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returned as defending champion and favorite for a fifth major.
Rory McIlroy sought a second Claret Jug.
Tommy Fleetwood tried to become the first English Open champion since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992.
U.S. viewers could watch the first round at 4 a.m. ET on USA Network/Peacock, while UK audiences saw round-the-clock Sky Sports coverage.

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