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.

John and Jeffrey Long Win Record-Setting Fifth Straight Super Senior Title at National Father-Son Invitational

John and Jeffrey Long

(PINEHURST, N.C.) – For the fifth year in a row, John and Jeffrey Long, of Murrells Inlet, S.C. won the Super Senior Division championship of the National Father-Son Invitational at The Country Club of North Carolina.

In the 57th edition of the event that began in 1970, the Longs won on the first playoff hole against Charles Green III and Garland Green of Bristol, Va., who had tied through three days of play at 12-under-par 276. 

The Longs began their winning streak in 2022 and also claimed the Senior Division in 2021 for six total Father-Son divisional titles.

The overall field of the event consisted of 41 teams from 10 states. 

Notable past winners of the National Father-Son Invitational include Tom and Tom Kite, Jr; Arthur and Scott Hoch; Rod and Steve Spittle; and Kelly and Blair Miller.

The tournament was conceived by Dale Morey, a CCNC member and a noted amateur player who was also a basketball All-America at LSU. He won the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship in 1974 and 1977. 

In the Senior Division, LD and Andy Simmons of Charlotte claimed first place on the second playoff hole with Chuck and Chase Tickle, CCNC members from Raleigh after the groups tied at 10-under-par 278. The Tickles were the defending champions in the Senior Division.

LD and Andy Simmons

Jason and Brady Lina of Alpharetta, Ga., who won in 2024, captured the Championship division at 17-under-par 271 by three strokes over Tad and Nik Tomblin of Alum Creek, W. Va.

Jason and Brady Lina

The format for the 56th Invitational consisted of three flights, all gross -- Championship, Senior (Fathers must be 55 or older), Super Senior (Fathers must be 70 or older). The scoring format is better ball of each team for the first two rounds from division-designated tees (July 10-11) and then combined score on the event’s final day (July 12). The Dogwood Course was used on July 10 and 12 and the Cardinal Course on July 11. 

The Kingdom at The Grove Celebrates Grand Opening

Facility is most advanced performance and custom‑fitting destination outside of the U.S.

(Hertfordshire, UK) – The Grove, in partnership with TaylorMade Golf, officially opened The Kingdom at The Grove on Thursday, July 2nd with special guests Team TaylorMade athletes Tommy Fleetwood and Charley Hull participating in a grand opening event. The Kingdom at The Grove provides golfers of all abilities access to the most advanced performance and custom‑fitting destination outside of the United States. The new 8.5-acre facility officially opened to the public on May 15, 2026.

Fleetwood and Hull joined special guests from TaylorMade and The Grove for a panel Q&A, sharing the thinking behind the new space and what it means for the future of The Grove’s golf experience. Fleetwood and Hull then took to the new driving range using their TaylorMade equipment, giving guests the chance to watch two of golf's biggest stars in action.

Located an hour northwest of London, The Grove in Hertfordshire is one of the UK’s leading five-star golf and leisure resorts. The Kingdom at The Grove features three state‑of‑the‑art fitting bays, supported by tour‑level technology including TrackMan 4, Foresight GC Quad Max, GEARS motion capture and Quintic putting analysis. Outdoor performance areas include a 7.4‑acre, 320‑yard grass driving range, an 850‑square‑metre teeing area, and a 4,000‑square‑metre short‑game complex, all designed to replicate elite‑level fitting conditions.

Inside The Kingdom at The Grove, golfers have access to over 1,800 fitting shafts, including 56 The Kingdom‑exclusive shaft options, alongside TaylorMade’s full custom offering across drivers, woods, irons, wedges and putters. Every fitting experience is delivered by expert TaylorMade The Kingdom Master Fitters and enhanced with premium TP5 golf balls, allowing for world‑class performance. The facility also boasts its own workshop, so whether a golfer is staying at The Grove, combining a fitting with a round on their championship course, or exclusively visiting The Kingdom, in many cases golfers can see their clubs being built and walk away with them on the same day.

“The arrival of The Kingdom further strengthens The Grove’s position as one of the UK’s leading golf destinations, combining world-class performance expertise with the luxury resort experience our guests know us for,” said Joel Westwell, Director of Golf at The Grove.

The opening marks a significant milestone in TaylorMade’s commitment to bringing tour‑proven performance, innovation and personalisation to golfers across the UK and Europe.

“The Kingdom has long been recognized as the ultimate expression of TaylorMade performance and custom fitting, and we’re thrilled to open our first The Kingdom venue outside of the United States,” said David Silvers, Vice President & Managing Director EMEAP, TaylorMade Golf EMEA. “Opening The Kingdom at The Grove to the public is a major step in allowing more golfers to experience the same level of insight, precision and care that our tour players trust every week.”

For more information on The Kingdom at The Grove and to book a fitting, visit www.thegrove.co.uk/golf/the-kingdom-at-the-grove.

Escalante Golf Acquires World-Class Mountain Golf Community, Tumble Creek

Gated Enclave Adjacent To Suncadia Resort Includes Tom Doak-Designed Golf Course, Hart Howerton-Designed Clubhouse, Luxury Homesites for Development

(FORT WORTH, Texas) – Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties nationwide – has acquired its 27th property, Tumble Creek, in Cle Elum, Washington.

Adjacent to the renowned Suncadia resort, Tumble Creek is a private, gated residential golf community situated approximately 80 miles from Seattle via Interstate 90. Given its location on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, the Cle Elum region is sunnier and drier than the Seattle metro area, making it a sought-after recreational retreat. Outdoor activities like golf, skiing, fishing, kayaking, hiking and wine tasting are noteworthy attractions.

As part of the acquisition, Escalante Golf assumes ownership of the club, golf course and remaining real estate within the community; this includes approximately 330 homesites still available for development. Current Tumble Creek members will continue to enjoy access to the club and Suncadia’s resort amenities, including its two 18-hole championship courses.

Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Doak, the Tumble Creek golf course opened in 2006 and features many of the characteristics that have made Doak one of the most respected designers in the game. Its player-friendly experience appeals to a wide range of golfers, with well-placed bunkers and penalty areas presenting a greater challenge for more skilled players from the championship tees. Golf Digest ranked Tumble Creek No. 5 in its 2025-26 list of the Best Courses in Washington, while Golfweek named it the state’s No. 3 private golf course.

With the golf course entering its third decade of play, Escalante plans several golf course enhancement projects that will improve day-to-day playability and maintenance, and create a foundation for long-term agronomic excellence. Updates to the club’s fitness area, which is located in the community’s original clubhouse, are also planned.

Tumble Creek’s current clubhouse experience is anchored by a spectacular 17,000-square-foot facility designed inside and out by celebrated architecture and design firm Hart Howerton. Opened in 2019, the mountain-inspired Great House serves as the social heart of the community, offering indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, dining establishments and panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade landscape. Family-oriented amenities – including bowling lanes, a golf simulator, casual recreation areas and spaces for year-round programming – reinforce its role as a central hub for members and residents.

“Tumble Creek has always been something special, a place where world-class golf, a stunning mountain setting and a genuine sense of community come together,” said Mark Thorne, Managing Director of Suncadia. “We’ve watched it grow into one of the premier private golf communities in the Pacific Northwest, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see it pass into the hands of an owner who shares that commitment to quality. Escalante Golf has a proven track record of preserving what makes these properties exceptional while investing thoughtfully for the future, which makes them exactly the right next steward for Tumble Creek.”

“We’re strongly committed to maintaining Tumble Creek as a world-class golf and residential community,” said David McDonald, President, Escalante Golf. “This is an exceptional property with a beautiful golf course, an incredible clubhouse and a passionate membership. Our focus will be on preserving the high standards that already exist here and continuing to enhance the experience for members and residents.”

The acquisition of Tumble Creek marks Escalante’s expansion into an 18th state. The team enjoys familiarity with the Pacific Northwest through its 2015 purchase of Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Oregon, 25 minutes northwest of Portland.

“Entering the Washington market is especially meaningful to me personally,” McDonald added. “I have family roots in Yakima, so this region has always been close to my heart. We’re excited to bring Escalante’s approach to member-focused service and high-quality golf experiences to Tumble Creek.”

For more information about membership at Tumble Creek, visit www.tumblecreekclub.com.

Hawai‘i Golf Courses Unite To Launch Play Hawai‘i Golf Initiative

Kapalua Plantaion

(HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I) – Twelve premier resort golf facilities across Hawai‘i have collaborated to launch Play Hawai‘i Golf, a unified initiative aimed at elevating the state's status as a top global golf destination and supporting local communities.

This alliance seeks to enhance Hawai‘i's appeal to golf and resort travelers, ensuring the state remains prominent in the minds of golfers worldwide. Additionally, Play Hawai‘i Golf will also be focused on philanthropy and supporting local junior golf efforts with plans to donate back to Hawaii junior golf programs.

“With more than more than 70 golf courses featuring dramatic Pacific Ocean backdrops, fairways carved through volcanic rock, and lush tropical greenery, Hawai‘i is one of the world's top golf destinations,” said Kapalua Golf General Manager Alex Nakajima. “Recent decisions by the PGA TOUR and the state legislature could result in negative impacts on the Hawai‘i golf community and the state’s economy. Play Hawai‘i Golf was formed to promote this incredible golf destination, our courses and all the good golf does for the Aloha State.”

The founding members include Mauna Lani Golf, Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf, and Mauna Kea Golf Course on Hawai‘i Island; Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course, Princeville Makai Golf Club, and the Ocean Course at Hōkūala on Kaua‘i; Manele Golf Course on Lana‘i; Kapalua Golf, Ka‘anapali Golf Courses, and Wailea Golf Club on Maui; and Ko Olina Golf Club and Turtle Bay Golf Course on Oahu.

Poipu Bay

Play Hawai‘i Golf will be promoted through a comprehensive marketing strategy, including digital campaigns, public relations efforts, influencer partnerships, broadcast media, events, and traditional marketing channels. Play Hawai‘i Golf partners will fund initiatives through annual contributions and from allied supporting partners. The Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) is supporting the partners in 2026 by funding content capture and broadcast production for the group's television, digital storytelling, and paid social media efforts, helping bring Hawaiʻi's golf offerings to a national audience. HVCB's robust support reflects a broader, strategic partnership in the years ahead.

The golf industry is a significant economic driver for Hawai‘i, contributing an estimated $3.4 billion annually to the state's economy through direct, indirect, and induced impacts. Golf tourism and related retail spending generate over $1 billion per year, underscoring the sport's vital role in Hawai‘i's visitor economy. Operational spending of $393 million, encompassing facilities and capital investments, supports numerous jobs and stimulates local businesses, including suppliers, service providers, and the hospitality sector.

Beyond its economic contributions, golf offers substantial health benefits for Kama‘aina (Hawai‘i residents) and visitors. Engaging in the sport can improve cardiovascular health, enhance strength, balance, and mobility, and support cognitive function. The social and outdoor aspects of golf also contribute to improved mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting long-term mental health.

For course and tee time information, visit www.PlayHawaiiGolf.com.