Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy enter The Open at Royal Birkdale as top favorites despite recent form concerns. Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion after winning at Royal Portrush in 2025, missed his first cut since 2022 at the Genesis Scottish Open and hasn't won since January. He arrives early at Royal Birkdale, a course he's never played, ranking outside the top 90 in proximity to the hole. Rory McIlroy faces similar struggles, sitting outside the top 110 in proximity and scrambling, though a final-round 64 in Scotland offered encouragement. Both have strong major records and expect to contend.

American depth threatens another U.S. winner, with four of the last five Champions Golfer from the States. Chris Gotterup, Russell Henley, Wyndham Clark, Cameron Young, and Collin Morikawa all show form, while Brian Harman won the last Open at Royal Birkdale in 2023. Bryson DeChambeau risks a "Grand Slam" of missed cuts in 2026 majors after early exits at the Masters, PGA, and U.S. Open; his Open record is poor.

England seeks its first Open winner since Nick Faldo in 1992. Hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood, with a mural in Southport, arrives in strong form after five consecutive top-14 finishes. Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, and Aaron Rai bolster English hopes at a venue where Ireland has claimed five Claret Jugs in 20 years.