The Open Championship 2026 Preview: Scheffler and McIlroy Lead the Field at Royal Birkdale
Golf’s oldest and most prestigious major returns this week as the 154th Open Championship gets under way at Royal Birkdale in Southport from 16-19 July. The Claret Jug awaits, and a stellar field will do battle on one of the finest links courses in the world, with world number one Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy heading the list of favourites.
The Favourites
Scheffler arrives as the man to beat, his relentless consistency and world-class ball-striking making him the marginal favourite on the betting boards. McIlroy, roared on by huge galleries, will be desperate to add another Open crown, while a deep chasing pack of the game’s biggest names will fancy their chances on a course that rewards precision and patience over raw power.
The Royal Birkdale Test
Links golf is a unique examination, and Royal Birkdale is among the most respected venues on the rota. Fast, firm fairways, punishing rough, deep pot bunkers and the ever-present threat of coastal wind mean course management and creativity are just as important as long hitting. Conditions can change dramatically day to day, and the ability to grind out scores when the weather turns is often what separates the champion from the rest.
Field Notes
The field was completed by a Last-Chance Qualifier, in which Joe Dean secured the final place with a two-under-par 68. It is a reminder of the romance of The Open, a championship that still opens its doors to qualifiers dreaming of a shot at glory alongside the world’s elite.
Key Talking Points
With Scheffler in commanding form and McIlroy chasing more history on home soil, the storylines are compelling. But links golf has a habit of throwing up surprises, and the unpredictable British weather can level the playing field in an instant. Expect drama, momentum swings and, very likely, a nerve-shredding finish on Sunday.
What’s Next
Play begins on Thursday 16 July, building towards the crowning of a Champion Golfer of the Year on Sunday. Prime Hunt Daily will bring you leaderboard updates, reports and analysis throughout The Open Championship 2026.