2026 Open Championship Talking Points: Scottie Scheffler Defends, Rory Chases History and Rickie Fowler Eyes First Major

The stage is set for another edition of golf’s oldest major championship.

The 2026 Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale, one of the most iconic venues in the championship’s history, for the 11th time. A world-class field featuring past champions, major winners and some of golf’s biggest stars will descend on Southport, England, with the Claret Jug on the line.

From Scottie Scheffler’s quest to defend his title to Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of another piece of history, here are the biggest storylines heading into the final major of the year.

Royal Birkdale Welcomes 14 Past Open Champions

Royal Birkdale has produced some unforgettable Open moments, and this year’s field includes a deep group of players who already know what it takes to lift the Claret Jug.

Fourteen past champions are scheduled to compete, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler and recent winners such as Xander Schauffele, Brian Harman, Cameron Smith and Collin Morikawa.

The past champions in the field are:

David Duval (2001)

Padraig Harrington (2007, 2008)

Stewart Cink (2009)

Darren Clarke (2011)

Rory McIlroy (2014)

Henrik Stenson (2016)

Jordan Spieth (2017)

Francesco Molinari (2018)

Shane Lowry (2019)

Collin Morikawa (2021)

Cameron Smith (2022)

Brian Harman (2023)

Xander Schauffele (2024)

Scottie Scheffler (2025)

With links golf often rewarding experience, the presence of so many former champions could prove significant when the wind begins to blow and Royal Birkdale’s demanding layout starts to test the field.

Justin Rose Returns to the Site of a Career-Defining Moment

Few players have a stronger connection to Royal Birkdale than Justin Rose.

The Englishman returns to the venue where he announced himself to the golf world as a 17-year-old amateur in 1998, finishing tied for fourth and earning the Silver Medal as the leading amateur.

Now 45 years old, Rose is preparing for his 23rd Open Championship appearance. He is one of only four players in this year’s field who competed at Royal Birkdale during the 1998, 2008 and 2017 championships.

While a major championship victory has remained elusive, Rose’s experience and history at Birkdale make him one of the more intriguing names to watch.

Rickie Fowler Still Searching for Major Breakthrough

Rickie Fowler has built one of the most impressive major championship resumes of his generation without ever winning one.

Entering his 15th Open Championship, Fowler remains in search of his first major title despite producing 13 career top-10 finishes — the most of any player without a major victory since 2010.

His best opportunity at The Open came in 2014, when he finished tied for second behind Rory McIlroy at Royal Liverpool.

At 37 years old, Fowler knows his chances to capture that elusive major are becoming fewer. But his creativity, short game and comfort on links courses make him a player who can never be overlooked.

Matt Fitzpatrick Arrives at Birkdale With Momentum

Matt Fitzpatrick enters the final major of 2026 playing some of the best golf of his career.

The Englishman finished tied for third at the Scottish Open and has already collected three victories on tour this season.

A win at Royal Birkdale would create a historic achievement: Fitzpatrick would become the first English player in the modern era to win four Tour events in a single season.

With his elite ball-striking, major championship experience and familiarity with challenging conditions, Fitzpatrick could be one of the home-country favorites this week.

Scottie Scheffler Looks to Rebound After Rare Missed Cut

Scottie Scheffler enters Royal Birkdale as the defending champion, but he arrives after an unusually disappointing week.

The world No. 1 missed the cut at the Scottish Open, ending a remarkable streak of 78 consecutive made cuts.

For nearly two years, Scheffler had been the model of consistency, dominating the sport with a combination of elite ball-striking, course management and mental toughness.

Now, he’ll look to quickly rebound and become the first player since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to successfully defend the Open Championship title.

Scheffler won his second major championship at Royal Portrush in 2025 and is searching for his second PGA Tour victory of the 2026 season.

Rory McIlroy Continues His Historic Major Run

No player enters the Open Championship with a more fascinating storyline than Rory McIlroy.

The Northern Irish star is seeking his second Open Championship title after winning at Royal Liverpool in 2014. He also arrives as the reigning Masters champion after completing the career Grand Slam in 2025 and successfully defending his green jacket in 2026.

McIlroy has already cemented his place among the greatest players of his generation, but another Claret Jug would further elevate his legacy.

His history at Royal Birkdale is also encouraging. When The Open was last played at the venue in 2017, McIlroy finished tied for fourth.

With his power, improved short game and renewed confidence in major championships, McIlroy enters the week as one of the favorites to add another major trophy to his collection.

Royal Birkdale Ready for Another Championship Moment

From defending champions and historic milestones to players chasing career-defining victories, the 2026 Open Championship has no shortage of compelling storylines.

Royal Birkdale has always demanded creativity, patience and precision. This week, the world’s best players will find out who can handle the challenge — and who will leave Southport with the Claret Jug.

Initial Golf Course Construction for Pandion Club Slated for This Week

Director of Agronomy and Course Builder Selected

(ESTERO, Fla.) – Initial golf course construction for Pandion Club, the new private golf club owned by The Hoffmann Family of Companies, is set for this week.

Operating under the motto of ‘Pure. Golf.’, Pandion is being built on the site of Old Corkscrew Golf Club and is designed by acclaimed golf course architect Kyle Phillips.

The Hoffmann family, well-known in South Florida business and sports circles through its ownership of the prestigious Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Everblades hockey franchises, purchased Old Corkscrew in 2022 with a vision of creating a premier golf-focused club unlike anything in the region.

Geoff Hoffmann

“Everything we do at Hoffmann Family of Companies, we want to provide a unique, best-in-class experience for our guests and Pandion is going to be no exception” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of HF Companies’ private equity arm. “From the moment that you drive through our gates, you will know that you have arrived somewhere special. You are going to feel like you are in nature, and this is an escape. We knew that his experience presented an opportunity to preserve the natural landscape that was embedded on the site and that’s something we are going to build around.”

Phillips, whose design work has earned international acclaim, envisions a heathland-style course inspired by the great English Golden Age architects Harry S. Colt and Tom Simpson. The par-71 layout, expected to stretch approximately 7,220 yards, will feature firm and fast playing conditions and place a premium on strategic shot-making, particularly around the greens and green complexes.

Drawing on the site's natural, sand-based terrain, Phillips plans to create a design with distinct Lowcountry influences. He points to the short par-4 12th hole as a prime example of the strategic architecture and thoughtful risk-reward decisions that will define the course.

Pandion also announced the appointment of Bob Wren as Director of Agronomy. Wren brings more than 30 years of golf course management experience and most recently served as Golf Course Superintendent at Old Collier Golf Club in Naples. Widely respected for delivering exceptional course conditioning and meticulous attention to detail the entire property, Wren will oversee all aspects of course grow-in, turf establishment, irrigation, and long-term conditioning. in collaboration with Phillips and his team.

"As we continue assembling a world-class team at Pandion, hiring Bob was a natural choice," said Geoff Hoffmann. "His reputation for excellence, decades of experience, and the respect he has earned throughout the golf industry speak for themselves. His leadership will be instrumental as we bring Kyle Phillips' and our family’s vision to life.”

In addition, Pandion has selected Glase Golf, Inc., as the club’s golf course builder. While preliminary site preparation is already underway,  Glase Golf will lead construction from groundbreaking to grow-in. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier golf course construction firms, the company brings nearly three decades of experience building and renovating many of the Southeast’s most notable golf courses.. 

Following construction, Phillips and his design team will complete the final shaping and refinement of the layout.

The Hoffmann family’s vision is for Pandion Club to operate as an exclusive golf-only club with approximately 280 members. Amenities will include a Lowcountry-inspired clubhouse, expansive practice facilities, a short-game area and multiple putting greens.

Pandion Club promises to redefine the golf experience in Southwest Florida—where passion, design, and nature converge. Visit www.pandionclub.com for more information and to submit membership interest. 

FootJoy Partners With Harris Tweed to Launch Legends Series III of III

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf, has once again partnered with Harris Tweed Hebrides to launch a limited edition shoe ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. 

The FJ x Harris Tweed Premiere Series - Packard Herringbone, is the final drop of this year’s Legends Series - a collection of limited edition golf shoes designed to celebrate some of the game’s most iconic moments. 

Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world to have its own act of parliament and that statute states that the material has to be made on the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The fabric must also be crafted from virgin wool, which gives Harris Tweed that unique and special blend. 

Mark Hogarth, Brand Ambassador at Harris Tweed Hebrides, said: “We like to think we are making a product with durability on the basis of a sincere integrity. That integrity is shared by the entire workforce at Harris Tweed - it is a skilled craft to make our fabric. There is a really strong synergy between the manufacturing philosophies of FootJoy and Harris Tweed. For us, manufacturing is an art form and a reflection of everything Harris Tweed stands for. We see that same dedication in FootJoy as well, where the values on craftmanship and attention to detail are essential in order to create a premium product. Every single component of this shoe, from the Harris Tweed and the button details to the incredible stitching in the tongue, has been executed to perfection. Nothing short of perfection is good enough for either brand which is why the 2026 FJ x Harris Tweed Premiere Series is so special.” 

Built on a heritage of over 100 years of shoemaking excellence, Premiere Series blends iconic styling with advanced performance technology designed for today’s game. 

The FJ x Harris Tweed Premiere Series - Packard Herringbone is equipped with FootJoy’s new ARCTrax outsole technology, delivering more Tour-level traction and stability on any surface, in any condition. This new anti-channeling design and flex-promoting concentric circles optimize ground forces to help power through the golf swing. 

FootJoy has refined the performance of the Premiere Series collection in 2026 with a padded and molded Ortholite® tongue that locks the foot in place. It features an enhanced collar padding that provide superior comfort, heel stability and responsive underfoot cushioning for all-day performance.

FootJoy brand ambassadors such as Adam Scott, Justin Thomas and Cameron Young will be presented with the shoes ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. 

Chris Tobias, Vice President, FJ Global Footwear, said: “With FootJoy and Harris Tweed Hebrides, you are bringing together one of the most iconic golf silhouettes with potentially one of the world’s most iconic materials, creating an authentic story of two companies that have outperformed for decades. Premiere Series has been specifically built for the highest level of performance and we were able to retain those performance attributes in this year’s model while romancing this classic heritage material from Harris Tweed.” 

The FJ x Harris Tweed Premiere Series - Packard Herringbone is available beginning Tuesday, July 14 on footjoy.com and at select retailers, while supplies last. Learn more at www.footjoy.com and follow @footjoy on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

5 Things We Learned on the Ground at Royal Birkdale Before the 154th Open Championship

(SOUTHPORT, England) — If a golf course superintendent from the United States walked onto Royal Birkdale this week, there’s a good chance they’d wonder what happened to the grass.

The answer: nothing.

And that’s exactly the point.

The home of the 154th Open Championship doesn’t look like the lush, emerald-green courses many golf fans are accustomed to seeing on television. Instead, Royal Birkdale is a landscape of browns, yellows and hard, fast turf — a seaside links course shaped by wind, sun and nature rather than irrigation systems and perfectly manicured fairways.

And after a long, dry summer in England, the course has taken on a completely different personality.

For many golf fans, that might seem strange.

For Open Championship fans, it’s a reason to be excited.

Links golf has always been about embracing unpredictability. The bounces are different. The lies are different. The strategy is different. What appears imperfect to the casual observer is exactly what makes the championship so compelling.

Royal Birkdale, tucked away in the seaside town of Southport roughly an hour from both Manchester and Liverpool, has long been one of the R&A’s favorite venues for that very reason. Only the Old Course at St. Andrews has hosted more modern Open Championships.

The course is difficult. It’s quirky. It’s unforgiving.

And when conditions are firm and fast, it becomes one of the best tests in golf.

Here are five things we learned on the ground Monday at Royal Birkdale.

1. Royal Birkdale is turning into a different kind of Open test

The first thing that stands out when walking onto Royal Birkdale this week is the color.

Or perhaps the lack of it.

The fairways and putting surfaces are already baked out, creating a striking contrast from the bright-green courses often associated with professional golf.

Having attended the last four Open Championships, I can’t remember seeing a course quite this brown heading into tournament week.

And the forecast suggests it could become even more extreme.

With little rain expected and warm temperatures on the way, Royal Birkdale could produce one of the firmest and fastest Open setups in recent memory.

That’s not a bad thing.

For the world’s best players, firm links conditions create a different challenge. Golfers can’t simply overpower a course. They have to think their way around it.

A good shot might bounce 30 yards. A slightly poor shot might disappear into a pot bunker or thick rough.

That uncertainty is what makes links golf special.

2. The R&A’s Last Chance Qualifier was an instant success

Monday brought something new to the Open Championship experience: meaningful competition before the tournament officially began.

The R&A introduced a Last Chance Qualifier, giving players one final opportunity to earn a spot in the championship field.

The concept was simple: reward players who came close but fell short of qualifying through traditional methods.

The result?

A surprisingly electric atmosphere.

Hundreds of fans followed the competitors around Royal Birkdale, cheering on players chasing what could be the biggest opportunity of their careers.

The winner was Joe Dean, a former truck driver turned professional golfer, who earned his place in the field with a two-under-par performance.

But the biggest winner may have been the R&A.

The organization created a compelling piece of golf theater on a day that is typically quiet before major championship week begins.

3. The practice range setup is unlike most Open Championships

One of the quirks of hosting an Open Championship is that many historic courses simply weren’t designed with modern professional golf in mind.

At many Open venues, players must make a lengthy trek from the practice facilities to the first tee because space is limited.

Royal Birkdale found a creative solution.

Players are using the practice facilities at nearby Hillside Golf Club, which sits just a short walk away from the clubhouse.

The move makes logistical sense, but it also adds another layer to the week because Hillside happens to be the home course of local favorite Tommy Fleetwood.

For Fleetwood, who grew up nearby and has long been embraced by fans in this region, the setup provides an extra connection to the championship.

4. Royal Birkdale’s clubhouse might be the most unique on the Open rota

Before a single shot is hit, Royal Birkdale makes an impression.

The clubhouse is unlike anything else players and fans will see during the Open Championship.

Built in 1935 and designed by architect George E. Tonge, the Art Deco structure was inspired by an ocean liner moving through the surrounding sand dunes.

It looks futuristic, almost like a building transported from another era.

The clubhouse also has a fascinating history. It is the third clubhouse in the club’s history after the original building was discovered to have been constructed on neighboring land.

At Royal Birkdale, even the buildings have a story.

That’s part of the charm of the Open Championship.

5. Could Royal Birkdale deliver another “Duel in the Sun?”

The weather forecast doesn’t exactly scream traditional Open Championship.

Instead of cold winds and sideways rain, players may be dealing with sunshine, firm turf and temperatures climbing into the mid-80s.

That combination could create a very different type of championship.

The last time an Open Championship featured this kind of baked-out setup was arguably the 2006 event at Royal Liverpool, where Tiger Woods famously dominated a firm and fast Hoylake layout.

Could Royal Birkdale produce another “Duel in the Sun?”

It’s possible.

The conditions are already creating the kind of unpredictability that defines the Open Championship.

The course looks unusual.

The forecast looks unusual.

And that might be exactly what makes this week memorable.

Because at the Open, different is usually better.

The Open Championship Trend That Could Reveal This Year’s Winner at Royal Birkdale

Every golfer in the field at Royal Birkdale technically has a chance to win The Open Championship. That’s what makes major championships so unpredictable.

But history suggests the winner may already be hiding among a much smaller group.

I’m usually hesitant to put too much stock into trends. Golf is a game where one bad bounce, one gust of wind, or one unforgettable final round can completely change the outcome. But sometimes a pattern becomes too strong to ignore.

That’s the case with a fascinating trend shared by GolfRamble on X, one of the best follows for golf statistics and major championship data.

According to GolfRamble, the last 12 winners of The Open Championship all shared a similar profile before lifting the Claret Jug. Each champion had:
A previous top-two finish in a major championship
At least three top-15 finishes in their previous five starts
A ranking inside the top 40 in the Official World Golf Ranking
A top-three finish on the PGA Tour during that season
A previous top-20 finish at The Open (if they had competed in the championship before)

It’s a pretty specific checklist — and history has rewarded players who fit the mold.

Last year, four golfers entered The Open matching every requirement: Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Keegan Bradley, and J.J. Spaun. By Sunday evening, Scheffler was the one celebrating after winning at Royal Portrush.

Now, the question becomes: who fits the profile at Royal Birkdale?

This year, eight players check every box:
Scottie Scheffler
Rory McIlroy
Matt Fitzpatrick
Wyndham Clark
Justin Rose
Viktor Hovland
Robert MacIntyre
Tom Kim

If this decade-plus trend continues, the next Champion Golfer of the Year will likely come from that group.

Of course, trends aren’t guarantees. Golf has a long history of proving predictions wrong. A player outside this list could catch fire, embrace the challenge of links golf, and create a new piece of history at Royal Birkdale.

But if you’re looking for a statistical shortcut before the opening tee shots in Southport, these eight names might be the place to start.

KemperSports Selected to Manage The Florida Club

(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) – KemperSports, a leading golf, sports, and hospitality experience company, today announced it has been selected to manage The Florida Club, a premier daily fee golf club located in Stuart, Florida.

Designed by Dick Gray, The Florida Club offers a distinctive golf experience set among the natural beauty of South Florida with greens that golfers have come to expect from a private club experience. Gray played an integral role in working on several projects with renowned architects Pete Dye and P.B. Dye, including the construction of Loblolly Golf Club (Hobe Sound, Fla.) and Crooked Stick (Carmel, Ind.)

"The Florida Club offers a premier public golf experience in one of the country’s hotbeds of golf," said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. "We look forward to enhancing the overall experience by elevating the golf and guest service." 

KemperSports will oversee all aspects of golf operations, agronomy, hospitality, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and special events. The company will leverage its extensive portfolio and operational expertise to elevate the club's programming and customer service.

Located in the heart of Martin County, The Florida Club has long been recognized for its outstanding course conditions, including some of the best conditioned greens in the state. Under KemperSports' management, the club will continue investing in exceptional course conditions, engaging tournaments and events, instructional opportunities, and enhanced dining and social experiences.

"The Florida Club has built a loyal following thanks to its outstanding golf course and dedicated team," said Michael Alon, Managing Member of the ownership group. "Partnering with KemperSports positions the club for continued growth while maintaining the exceptional experience our guests have come to expect."

The Florida Club joins KemperSports' growing portfolio of premier public golf throughout Florida and across the United States. With almost five decades of experience managing award-winning golf courses, resorts and private clubs, KemperSports is recognized for creating memorable guest experiences, developing high-performing teams and delivering long-term operational excellence.

Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort & Community Chefs Win Honors at 2026 Taste of Barbados

Lana Murrell (Center)

Lana Murrell wins 1st place Senior Chef division, Aleyanna Garraway places 3rd in the Junior Chef category

(St. James, Barbados) – Apes Hill Barbados Sous Chef Lana Murrell captured first place in the Senior Chef category at the 2026 Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Taste of Barbados Competition, one of the island's premier culinary showcases and a key pathway toward selection for the island’s national culinary team. Her colleague, Aleyanna Garraway, placed third in the Junior Chef category.

Held June 16-17 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, the 2026 competition attracted nearly 100 entries across four categories – Junior Chef, Senior Chef, Pastry Chef and Mixologist – making it one of the largest culinary competitions in Barbados. The top three competitors in each category advance to an intensive national training program from which the BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team will be selected to represent the island at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association's Taste of the Caribbean competition later this year.

The 2026 Taste of Barbados Competition attracted the largest field in the event's history in the Senior Chef division, with 30 chefs competing for top honors. After committing to the competition in May, Murrell dedicated herself to an intensive preparation schedule, practicing weekly before transitioning to daily sessions as the event approached.

Aleyanna Garraway (Left)

Murrell's achievement is particularly remarkable given that this was her first culinary competition. “My approach was to use vibrant colors so my plate would stand out while incorporating local ingredients,” she said. “I was very nervous because I had never done anything like this before, and competing in front of a large crowd of spectators added another level of pressure.”

Murrell credits much of her preparation to the mentorship of Chef Nicholas Ilfil, an accomplished member of Barbados' national culinary team and multiple award winner. “Chef Nicholas shared all of his knowledge and experience with us, so we were ready for what we were about to get into," Murrell said. "We are extremely thankful for the time, effort and guidance he provided.”

As Senior Chef #6, Murrell competed during the afternoon session and faced a mystery basket challenge featuring pork, shrimp, watermelon and tamarind. Following a 1-hour preparation period and one hour of cooking, she completed an intricate and visually striking dish that showcased local flavors and technical skill:

Rosemary and garlic sweet potatoes, coconut and ginger carrot purée, pickled beets, cucumber and watermelon, mango, tamarind and Scotch bonnet chutney, curried plantain, herb-crusted pork roulade, cabbage shrimp roll and cilantro-lime foam.

“The last 10 minutes of plating were intense," Murrell recalled. "The adrenaline rush pushed me through, and when I finished, the round of applause gave me assurance that I had made the right decision to compete.”

That confidence proved well-founded when Murrell was announced as the 1st-place winner in the Senior Chef category. “It was a great first experience, and I was pleasantly surprised when my name was called for first place,” said Murrell. “My hope is to be the chef selected to represent my island.”

As a top three finisher, Murrell has advanced to the national training program that will prepare competitors for potential selection to the BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team. Over the next four months, participants will undergo intensive training before the final team is chosen to represent Barbados at Taste of the Caribbean, the region's premier culinary competition.

Murrell and Garraway’s success reflects the excellence that Apes Hill is striving for in its restaurants. Their competition results illuminate the depth of talent emerging from the resort's culinary team.

The 2026 Taste of Barbados Competition once again highlighted the remarkable creativity and skill of Barbados' culinary community while reinforcing the island's reputation as one of the Caribbean's leading culinary destinations.

For Apes Hill Barbados, Murrell's achievement stands as a source of pride for the resort, its members and the wider Barbadian hospitality industry. “Apes Hill is fortunate to have these talented chefs helping elevate our culinary offerings,” said Cheryl Franklin, Apes Hill, Head of Brand Development & International Marketing. “As the island is a premier culinary destination, earning the Taste of Barbados honor illuminates the high quality of their work and artistry.” 

For more information, visit www.apeshill.com or call +1 246 538-0590.