2026 Open Championship Odds: Scheffler Favored at Royal Birkdale

Favorite to Watch: Scottie Scheffler

The 2026 Open tees off Thursday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, and the betting board already points to a clear leader. Scottie Scheffler, the world‑number‑one and defending champion, sits at +750 odds, his 16th consecutive major as outright or co‑favorite. He was the only player with single‑digit odds last year at +550 and captured the 2025 Open. So far this season he has one win, nine top‑10 finishes, a Masters runner‑up and a T‑4 at the U.S. Open.

Second Choice: Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is the next favorite at +900, the only other golfer with odds better than 10‑1. He made headlines after yelling “I’m so bad at golf!” at the Genesis Scottish Open, yet still posted a T‑7 finish there. McIlroy also won the Masters and recorded a T‑7 at the PGA Championship earlier this year. His mix of drama and results keeps him in the championship conversation.

Other Top Contenders

Behind the top two, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood share 16‑1 odds, while Jon Rahm sits at 22‑1. Five players, including Chris Gotterup and Ludvig Åberg, are priced at 28‑1, showing depth beyond the headline names. These odds suggest a wide‑open battle for the Claret Jug. The mix of experience and rising talent makes the middle field competitive.

Notable Returning Champions

Jordan Spieth returns with 66‑1 odds, the same price as Bryson DeChambeau, and carries the weight of his 2017 Open victory at Royal Birkdale. Spieth’s triumph that year remains his last major win, giving his current bid added narrative. The 2017 title turned him into a Birkdale specialist, a story fans will watch unfold.

Recent Winners in the Mix

Tom Kim enters the week at 45‑1 after winning the Genesis Open last week, his first PGA Tour victory since 2023. The fresh momentum gives him a legitimate chance to upset the higher‑priced stars. His recent form could make him a spoiler among the seasoned contenders.

Longer Shots to Consider

Other notable long shots include Cam Young at 33‑1, Bryson DeChambeau also at 66‑1, Rickie Fowler at 100‑1 and Max Homa at 150‑1. Each brings a unique storyline, whether it’s youthful ambition, power golf or a quest to break a slump. These odds give fans plenty of underdog narratives to follow throughout the week.