The 154th Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale this week, where golf's oldest major will once again test the world's best players.
Golf's oldest major returns to Southport this week as Royal Birkdale hosts the 154th Open Championship, and it arrives with a twist most of the 156-man field has never seen: a substantially reworked golf course.
Extensive renovation work has reshaped several holes since Jordan Spieth lifted the Claret Jug here in 2017, adding length to the back nine and introducing a brand-new par 3, which means recent Birkdale history is only a partial guide to what's coming.
What hasn't changed is the identity of the test. This remains a course that rewards precision over power - a second-shot examination where controlling the ball into firm, well-guarded greens matters more than bombing it off the tee.
Add in the Sea wind, a spread of revetted bunkers sitting right where the big hitters expect their drives to land, and a closing stretch that's been toughened up considerably, and you have the ingredients for a genuinely stern week of major championship golf.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler heads a stacked field that includes every marquee name in the sport, from Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm to Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau, all chasing the game's most historic trophy.
Who is favourite to win The Open Championship 2026?
Scottie Scheffler (17/2)
The defending Open champion heads the market once again. Despite an uncharacteristic missed cut at the Scottish Open, he's still produced 18 top-10 finishes in his last 24 majors and looks perfectly suited to Royal Birkdale's emphasis on precision.
Rory McIlroy (10/1)
McIlroy arrives chasing a second Claret Jug and boasts one of the strongest Open records in the field, recording seven top-10 finishes in his last 10 appearances. His combination of length and improved course management makes him a constant threat on links layouts, while a top-seven finish in Scotland suggests his game is trending nicely at the perfect time.
Matt Fitzpatrick (17/1)
Three victories this season have underlined Fitzpatrick's confidence, and his accurate driving and elite short game should translate well to Royal Birkdale. After finally producing a top-four Open finish last year, the former US Open champion looks increasingly comfortable on links golf's biggest stage.
Tommy Fleetwood (17/1)
Few players would receive a louder reception than Fleetwood lifting the Claret Jug just a short drive from his hometown. The Englishman has long been regarded as one of the game's finest links specialists and has twice seriously contended for The Open. If he can handle the added expectation, he has all the tools to challenge.
Jon Rahm (28/1)
Rahm sits at a bigger price than many expected but remains one of the world's elite. The Spaniard has twice finished runner-up in The Open and owns an outstanding major pedigree. If he sharpens up after a disappointing US Open, his ball striking gives him every chance of contending once again.
The Open Championship 2026 Betting Insights
Viktor Hovland (7.7% of bets)
Hovland has attracted the greatest support from Oddschecker users this week. The Norwegian's elite iron play and improving short game make him an appealing fit for Birkdale, while his recent form suggests another major challenge could be just around the corner.
Tyrrell Hatton (7.2%)
Hatton's love of links golf is well documented, highlighted by multiple Dunhill Links Championship victories. Fresh from another strong season and arriving with confidence, punters clearly believe he can finally turn his Open promise into a genuine title challenge.
Rory McIlroy (6.2%)
McIlroy continues to be one of the most popular selections in any major championship. His exceptional Open record and encouraging Scottish Open performance have only strengthened confidence that he can contend for a second Claret Jug.
Tommy Fleetwood (6.2%)
The romantic story of Fleetwood winning his home Open has understandably attracted plenty of support. His comfort on links courses and consistent tee-to-green game make him one of the most obvious contenders this week.
Collin Morikawa (4.8%)
The 2021 Champion Golfer of the Year remains a popular each-way selection. Morikawa's laser-like iron play is perfectly suited to Royal Birkdale's demanding approach shots, and if his recent injury concerns are behind him, he has the pedigree to feature prominently.
The Open Championship 2026 Prediction to Win
Prediction to Win: Tom Kim
Tom Kim looks ready to make a serious push for his first major title after arriving at Royal Birkdale in the best form of his season. His impressive victory at the Scottish Open is particularly eye-catching given how often that event has pointed towards the eventual Open champion, with each of the last four winners recording a top-15 finish there the week before.
The South Korean's iron play has been exceptional, ranking second, seventh and 17th for Strokes Gained: Approach across his last three starts while gaining strokes on approach in eight consecutive tournaments. That level of ball striking is exactly what Royal Birkdale demands. Add in his runner-up finish at Royal Portrush in 2023, and Kim has already shown he has both the links pedigree and current momentum to contend for the Claret Jug.
