Royal Birkdale Prepares for 2026 Open Championship

Claret Jug Contenders

Ryan Lavner crowns Matt Fitzpatrick as his pick to hoist the claret jug, citing a career‑best swing, a hot tee‑shot run and a refined short game that fits Birkdale’s firm ground. Rex Hoggard counters with Scottie Scheffler, reminding readers that despite a missed cut in Scotland, the world No. 1 carries a win, four runner‑up finishes and 14 top‑25 shows this season. Brentley Romine also leans toward Scheffler, believing the reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year’s ball‑striking resurgence will finally click at the oldest major.

Each columnist highlights different strengths: Fitzpatrick’s consistency off the tee, Scheffler’s pedigree as a defending champion and his never‑worse‑than‑23rd record at The Open. The writers agree the field is deep, but they diverge on who can best navigate the fast, fiery conditions at Royal Birkdale.

For context, the 154th Open gathers 156 players on a course that has been tightened since 2017, adding a challenging par‑3 15th and keeping the first par‑5 until the 14th hole. The stretched final five includes two long par‑5s, a short par‑4 and two “beefy” holes that reward precise approach play.

Disappointed Candidates

Ryan Lavner expects Ludvig Åberg to walk away frustrated after a rough stretch that includes a broken driver and launch monitor during a recent trip abroad. The Swede’s missed cut in Scotland marked his first absence from the top table since January, and his inconsistent ball‑striking portends trouble on the precise greens of Birkdale.

Rex Hoggard singles out Bryson DeChambeau, noting the Tour’s most unorthodox performer’s spotty Open record—three missed cuts in eight starts and only two top‑10 finishes. DeChambeau is also winless in his three Grand Slam starts this year, and Hoggard sees a 0‑for‑4 major pattern looming.

Brentley Romine highlights Cameron Young, who has faded from elite form over the past month and has not posted a top‑30 finish at The Open in three years. Young’s recent lack of contention, coupled with his subdued performance at Shinnecock (tied for 43rd), suggests another disappointing week.

Surprise Contenders

Ryan Lavner puts Tyrrell Hatton on his surprise list, crediting the Englishman’s best two‑year major run and recent iron‑play improvements after adjusting his backswing posture. Hatton’s comfort on home soil and a refined short game make him a viable dark‑horse for a first‑time English major win.

Rex Hoggard spotlights Chris Gotterup, a world No. 6 who flies under the radar despite recording at least three PGA Tour victories this season. Gotterup’s best major showing came at last year’s Open, and his track record suggests he could be a hidden threat.

Brentley Romine bets on two Wake Forest alumni, Alex Fitzpatrick and Eugenio Chacarra, claiming both can out‑play their fellow Deac and exploit the firm surface with elite driving. While Chacarra’s short game has been a question mark, Romine sees enough skill to justify a wager on both.

Projected Winning Score

Ryan Lavner forecasts a 12‑under total, arguing that the baked‑down fescue and the course’s variety will encourage aggressive driving, turning the final stretch into a wedge‑fest. He notes the 2017 champion also posted 12 under.

Rex Hoggard expects an 11‑under finish, aligning with the 2008 and 1998 winners who posted 3 under and even. He believes the firm, fast conditions will keep scoring moderate despite the field’s depth.

Brentley Romine projects 10 under, emphasizing that Birkdale is firmer than in 2017 and the new par‑3 15th adds difficulty. He recalls that only three players broke 5 under in 2017, suggesting a tougher score line this week.

The Open 2026: Ranking all 156 players in field at Royal Birkdale – https://www.golfchannel.com/pga-tour/news/the-open-ranking-all-156-players-in-field-at-royal-birkdale

The Open 2026: Tee times, groupings, how to watch Round 1 – https://www.golfchannel.com/randa/news/british-open-2026-tee-times-groupings-how-to-watch-round-1