The 2026 Open Championship is the 154th edition of golf’s original major and heads to Royal Birkdale in Southport from July 16-19.
The iconic Lancashire links hosts The Open for the 11th time and will once again provide a demanding, wind‑exposed examination that rewards control, creativity and resilience across four days.
Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Chris Gotterup, Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre and Wyndham Clark head the betting.
With Royal Birkdale playing host to a stacked field and firm conditions, this year’s Open looks set to be one of the most competitive majors in recent memory.
Current Open Championship 2026 Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 8.00 (8/1) |
| Rory McIlroy | 9.00 (9/1) |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 15.00 (15/1) |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 17.00 (17/1) |
| Jon Rahm | 23.00 (23/1) |
| Xander Schauffele | 23.00 (23/1) |
| Chris Gotterup | 26.00 (26/1) |
| Collin Morikawa | 29.00 (29/1) |
| Justin Rose | 29.00 (29/1) |
| Robert MacIntyre | 29.00 (29/1) |
| Wyndham Clark | 29.00 (29/1) |
Leading 2026 Open Championship Contenders
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale as defending champion and the clear market favourite despite having missed the cut at the Scottish Open last week.
Scheffler’s consistency and tee‑to‑green dominance give him a perfect profile for a demanding links where avoiding mistakes is often more important than chasing birdies.
If he continues to handle the putter respectably, he has every chance of becoming a multiple Open champion at just 30.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy follows closely behind Scheffler in the market and heads to Royal Birkdale looking to add a second Claret Jug to the one he claimed at Hoylake in 2014.
McIlroy’s power and shot‑making variety remain huge assets in links conditions, particularly if the wind allows him to exploit his driving.
With the Masters and career grand slam already secured, he may arrive playing with a touch less pressure than in previous years, which could prove significant.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick looks a very natural fit for Royal Birkdale’s exacting test with his controlled ball flight, intelligent course management and proven major temperament.
The Englishman has enjoyed a memorable year and warmed up well for the links test at the Scottish Open last week.
If he putts well and navigates the tough closing stretch without damage, he should be a serious factor all week.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood heads the strong home contingent and remains one of the most respected links performers in the world.
The Southport native grew up in the area and has deep familiarity with Birkdale and the surrounding links, adding a compelling local‑knowledge angle to his challenge.
If he harnesses home support positively and produces a strong putting week, he has perhaps his best chance yet to win an Open on home soil.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm is widely viewed as one of the main “value” options for this championship.
Rahm’s powerful, penetrating ball flight and competitive edge could prove major assets if Birkdale plays firm and fast.
If he gets comfortable with the greens early, he has every attribute needed to make a serious challenge for the Claret Jug.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele remains one of the most consistent major performers of recent years but did miss the cut at the Scottish Open last week.
He has already proved he can win on links terrain, having lifted the Open in 2024, and his balanced game makes him particularly resilient when conditions are at their toughest.
If he maintains his usual high floor and finds a small spike with the putter, he looks one of the safer bets among the leading group.
Chris Gotterup
Chris Gotterup sits just behind the biggest names and continues to climb into elite company after his Scottish Open triumph at The Renaissance Club in 2025.
His aggressive style and confidence in windy, coastal conditions make him an intriguing option.
Having already proven he can beat world‑class fields in links‑style tests, Gotterup will not be intimidated by Royal Birkdale’s stage.
If he strings together four focused rounds, he has the upside to shock the more established favourites.
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa remains one of the most precise ball‑strikers in the field and one of the more attractive proven winners in the field.
A past Open champion at Royal St George’s, Morikawa has already demonstrated both comfort and composure in links conditions.
If he puts well enough to match his iron play, another deep Open run would be no surprise.
Justin Rose
Justin Rose brings vast major‑championship experience into the week and the former US Open champion has repeatedly shown he can handle demanding setups and still find ways to compete.
Rose looks an interesting option for those expecting Birkdale’s challenge to favour experience and patience over raw aggression.
If he produces one of his better scrambling weeks, he could hang around the leaderboard longer than the market suggests.
Robert MacIntyre
Robert MacIntyre carries the flag for Scottish hopes and continues to build his reputation as a dangerous links specialist.
His strong left‑handed ball flight and comfort in wind make him particularly appealing at an Open that could easily play on the tougher side.
If he capitalises on scoring stretches and keeps mistakes to a minimum, he has a realistic chance of making his presence felt on home‑continent soil.
Wyndham Clark
Wyndham Clark completes the leading block in the betting market and arrives as a recent US Open winner, which gives him a strong major‑pedigree angle.
His powerful driving and improved control with the scoring irons could be a significant asset if Birkdale plays firm but relatively scoreable.
Clark offers a combination of recent major success and still‑developing links record that may appeal to backers seeking something different from the usual suspects.
If he quickly adapts to the subtleties of Royal Birkdale, he has the potential to contend seriously in his chase for a second Claret Jug.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.