The 154th Open Championship heads to Royal Birkdale in 2026, and an unofficial 48-page preview is now available. The guide offers a hole-by-hole breakdown of the famous links course, analysis of leading contenders, and a look back at memorable moments from the championship's history.
Course and Champions
Royal Birkdale is known for its demanding sand dunes that guard the fairways. Past champions include Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, and Jordan Spieth. Local hero Tommy Fleetwood, born three miles from the course, called it "one of the best courses in the world" and "very arguably the best Open venue."
Scottie Scheffler's Title Defence
Scottie Scheffler won the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush by four shots, his first Claret Jug. No player has successfully defended since Ernie Els in 2012, who won his second title 10 years after his first. The subsequent 12 winners were all first-timers. Scheffler aims to buck that trend.
Contenders and English Hopefuls
Rory McIlroy, fresh from a second consecutive Masters win, is a strong contender. English players Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tyrrell Hatton are also in the mix, though no Englishman has won since Nick Faldo in 1992. Recent US Open champion Wyndham Clark and former Open winners Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa are among the American threats.
The preview edition is available for purchase online with home delivery, or in supermarkets, high street retailers, and independent newsagents from July 3, 2026.
