Scheffler's Title Defence

Scottie Scheffler captured the 2025 Open by four strokes yet the world No 1 reaches Royal Birkdale after missing the cut at the prior Scottish Open. The American has posted his lowest win tally since 2021 with only one victory this season at January's American Express. He has added four runner-up results since including at the Masters. Of his missed cut the first in four years he remarked I did not really feel like I played that bad. This golf course can be just tough at times.

Scheffler has no prior experience at Royal Birkdale though the missed cut allowed an early inspection of the links. First impressions were really good. There are some very very challenging holes especially the par-threes.

All Eyes on McIlroy

This marks Rory McIlroy's first home major since he defended his crown by one stroke at the 2026 Masters becoming only the fourth player to repeat the achievement. The Northern Irishman aims to secure the Claret Jug absent since his 2014 triumph. He must prevent Scheffler from becoming the first American to retain an Open title since Tiger Woods in 2006.

McIlroy finished tied for fourth at Royal Birkdale in 2017 yet the layout has seen major renovation since and further impact from the summer heatwave. When you give professional golfers options that is when things start to get fun especially for the viewer he says. Not so much for us but that is the sign of a good championship test.

Other Home Hopes

Aaron Rai returns from his May PGA Championship win amid elevated hopes after becoming the first Englishman in over a century to claim that major. I think it provides a lot of validation Rai said. But every major provides such a different test and a different style of golf.

Southport-born Tommy Fleetwood seeks to become the first English Open winner since Nick Faldo in 1992 on a course he once accessed with his father. After finishing no worse than 14th in his last five events the world No 9 will enjoy strong local backing including a large mural on the Southport and Birkdale Sports Club wall. It is an absolute dream to play here in my hometown he said.

Fellow Englishman Justin Rose finished runner-up at the 2024 Open. At 45 he is the youngest of only four players to have competed at Royal Birkdale three times in the Open dating back to 1998 when he placed fourth as an amateur. A links course is interesting because you never really get to know them that well Rose said. It can play so differently decade to decade.

Dealing with the Hecklers

Recent tournaments including the 2025 Ryder Cup and 2026 US Open have underscored golf's heckling issue. Matt Fitzpatrick the 2022 US Open champion shares the view that increased sports betting has shaped crowd conduct. For me it is becoming a problem and the issue is particularly in golf it would be very easy to influence a bet whether it is shouting on someone's backswing or shouting on a putting stroke he said.

The R and A wants to keep the Open a welcoming respectful and unforgettable experience for all. Attendees must follow the new Open commitment code of conduct that urges respect for players and fellow spectators. Signs around the venue will also prohibit recording play on phones.

Concrete Surface

The heatwave has left the Southport links effectively hard as concrete. Even slightly errant shots now carry greater risk of uncontrolled bounces into sand dunes and bunkers. Beyond environmental factors Royal Birkdale has seen notable alterations since hosting in 2017.

The par-three 14th has been eliminated while the old 15th now serves as the 14th. Jordan Spieth who produced memorable shots on those holes remarked Maybe the best shot and the best putt I have ever hit do not exist any more which is a little unusual. A smaller green was added to the par-three 7th and the 18th tee box has been relocated.

The Miracle Story

Among the 10 amateurs David Howard stands out as the feelgood tale. The Irishman advanced from final qualifying ranked 1,441st in the World Amateur Golf Rankings to reach Royal Birkdale for his first major despite a cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age seven. He continues to take around 30 tablets daily to manage his condition.

Top-ranked amateur Tim Wiedemeyer could attract attention after claiming the 2026 European Amateur Championship. He competes for Texas Tech the university that produced Ludvig Aberg. The German called it a dream come true to play a major.

Marrying His Caddie

Joe Dean supplied the field's underdog narrative by securing the 156th and final spot. Until 2024 Dean delivered groceries for Morrisons to support his golf ambitions. Alongside competing at Royal Birkdale he will arrange a wedding. Dean plans to marry on Tuesday 21 July and his fiancee Emily Lyle also serves as his caddie. A week off would have made the wedding a bit easier but the Open is a good excuse to liven things up a bit said Dean.

Additional qualifiers feature local hero Matthew Jordan and teen prodigy Tiger Christensen named after Tiger Woods. Caleb Surratt locked out of automatic qualification after joining LIV Golf aims to show he belongs among the elite.