The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale: English Hopes and Betting Favorites

The 154th Open Championship is being held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, from July 16-19, 2026. The tournament highlights a significant drought for English golfers, who have not won the Open on home soil since Tony Jacklin’s victory at Royal Lytham in 1969. Local favorite Tommy Fleetwood, a Southport native ranked ninth in the world, carries the hopes of a passionate hometown crowd that has decorated the area with murals and chants. Fellow English contenders include Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, and Aaron Rai, all seeking to break the long-standing dry spell.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler enters as a co-favorite alongside Rory McIlroy, despite missing the cut at the previous week's Scottish Open. Scheffler’s consistency contrasts with the volatile nature of links golf, where erratic weather often disrupts rankings. Betting markets also feature strong support for Viktor Hovland, Wyndham Clark, and Justin Rose, who are touted for their recent form and skills suited to Birkdale’s tight fairways. The event underscores the unique challenge of the Open, blending historic prestige with unpredictable conditions.