The world’s best golfers head to Royal Birkdale for the 154th Open Championship as the final men’s major of the season promises another enthralling week of links golf. From defending champion to former Claret Jug winners and rising stars, we’ve got everything you need to know ahead of the year’s oldest major, including the favourites, course guide, betting angles and our best picks.
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When is The Open Championship 2026?
The 2026 Open runs from July 16-19.
Where is The Open Championship 2026?
This year’s Open will be held at Royal Birkdale. Originally established in 1889, before undergoing a major redesign in 1922, Royal Birkdale’s current layout weaves through towering sand dunes that frame each fairway.
Since staging its first Open Championship in 1954, it has become the most frequently used venue on the rota outside of St Andrews.
Previous Open winners at the venue
- 1954 – Peter Thomson
- 1961 – Arnold Palmer
- 1965 – Peter Thomson
- 1971 – Lee Trevino
- 1976 – Johnny Miller
- 1983 – Tom Watson
- 1991 – Ian Baker-Finch
- 1998 – Mark O’Meara
- 2008 – Pádraig Harrington (Taking part in 2026)
- 2017 – Jordan Spieth (Taking part in 2026)
Who Holds the Course Record at Royal Birkdale?
72 holes 268 Jordan Spieth (2017). 18 holes 62 Branden Grace (2017)
Open Championship Weather Forecast
Players can expect ideal conditions for the opening rounds at Royal Birkdale, with warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and little to no rain forecast throughout the week. The prolonged dry spell should leave the course playing firm and fast, rewarding those who can control their ball flight on the links.
While breezes are expected to pick up at times, the wind is not currently forecast to have a major impact, setting the stage for excellent scoring conditions.
Who is taking part in the Open Championship?
There are 156 players in the field for the Open Championship. The top 50 in the world rankings are all in the lineup. The Top 70 players (and ties) after two rounds qualify for round three.
What is the Prize Money for the Open Championship 2026?
The final major of the year carries a purse of $17m ($3.1m to the winner).
Who is the favourite for the Open Championship 2026?
- Scottie Scheffler 15/2
- Rory McIlroy 8/1
- Matt Fitzpatrick 14/1
- Jon Rahm 20/1
- Robert MacIntyre 22/1
- Xander Schauffele 25/1
- Wyndham Clarke 28/1
- Chris Gotterup 28/1
- Viktor Hovland 28/1
- Tyrrell Hatton 28/1
- Collin Morikawa 28/1
- Justin Rose 28/1
- 30/1 BAR
The Open Championship 2026 First Round Tee Times
The first tee shot of the week at Royal Birkdale is expected to be 06:35 on Thursday, July 16. But what time do the big names start their Open campaign at, and who are they playing alongside in the opening two rounds? We’ve got you covered.
10:09 Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood & Jon Rahm
The afternoon’s headline group features former Open champion Jordan Spieth, who famously won the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 2017. He’ll be joined by local favourite Tommy Fleetwood, who will be hoping to claim the biggest title of his career on a course close to where he grew up.
Completing the trio is Jon Rahm, the two-time major champion who finished runner-up at this year’s PGA Championship and has twice challenged strongly at The Open, including a second-place finish in 2023.
1504 Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Ludvig Åberg
Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark headlines another high-quality group as he returns to major championship action. Cameron Young, runner-up at The Open in 2022, has enjoyed an outstanding season with two victories, while rising Swedish star Ludvig Åberg continues his rapid ascent as he makes just his third appearance at The Open Championship after a solid performance at Royal Portrush last year.
15:15: Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele & Matt Fitzpatrick
One of the standout groups of the opening round sees Rory McIlroy continue his bid for a second Claret Jug, 12 years on from his memorable victory at Royal Liverpool. The Northern Irishman has finished tied seventh or better in three of the last four Open Championships and arrives in excellent form.
Defending Open champion Xander Schauffele has recorded top-12 finishes in each of the last five majors, while Matt Fitzpatrick heads to Royal Birkdale after an impressive season that includes three victories and a runner-up finish at The Players Championship.
14:53 Shane Lowry, Aaron Rai, Brooks Koepka
Three major champions are grouped together in what promises to be one of Thursday’s most intriguing pairings. Shane Lowry returns to the scene looking for a second Open title after his unforgettable triumph at Royal Portrush in 2019.
Aaron Rai claimed his maiden major earlier this year at the PGA Championship, while five-time major winner Brooks Koepka continues his pursuit of an elusive Open Championship victory, having recorded four career top-10 finishes in the event.
What Channel is the Open Championship 2026 on?
Sky Sports will once again provide exclusive live coverage of The Open Championship across the UK and Ireland. Live coverage of the final men’s major of the year begins at 06:30 (UK & Ireland time) on Thursday on Sky Sports Golf.
Viewers can enjoy more than 15 hours of live golf during both the opening and second rounds, with additional featured group and bonus feeds available via Sky Sports+ and the Sky Sports App. Weekend coverage starts at 09:00 on Saturday and 08:00 on Sunday as the race for the Claret Jug reaches its conclusion.
How Can I Bet on the Open Championship 2026?
From first-round leader to outright betting and three-ball markets, BAR 1 Betting has you covered for the Open Championship. In-play betting will be available throughout the week online & on the BAR 1 Betting app.
Free Bets for the Open Championship 2026
Place a €10 bet on the Open Championship outright market and get a free €5 first-round leader bet. This offer is available on the BAR 1 Betting website & app only.
