Royal Birkdale hosts The Open this year, featuring a record expected crowd of over 300,000. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler aims to repeat his Northern Ireland victory, potentially becoming the first back-to-back winner since Padraig Harrington in 2008. Rory McIlroy is also a favorite. England's Tommy Fleetwood seeks to end a 34-year wait for a home winner.

The course itself has undergone significant changes. The par-three 14th has been removed, replaced by a new long par-five now designated the 14th hole. A new 240-yard par-three is expected to be a talking point. Other alterations include a shortened par-four fifth and a reconfigured 18th tee box to increase its challenge.

New additions off the course include an inaugural Last-Chance Qualifier on Monday morning, offering one player a spot in the 156-man field after other qualifying events conclude. A new team event, the Heroes Classic, will feature past champions like Scheffler, Spieth, Harrington, Fleetwood, and Justin Rose, alongside other sports personalities. Fans will also encounter a new code of conduct aimed at ensuring respectful behavior throughout the tournament week.