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.
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