The 154th Open Championship returns to the storied Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, this week. Of course, it delivers one of the purest tests of links golf with towering dunes, tight fairways, and ever-changing winds. The Open has produced memorable battles for the Claret Jug over the decades.
Established in 1889 and redesigned in the 1920s, the course winds through dramatic dunes. Specifically offering strategic shot-making and precision around the greens. It is where past champions like Jordan Spieth in 2017, Padraig Harrington, and Mark O’Meara have triumphed through resilience and creativity.
The 2026 British Open Odds field features the world’s top player. Naturally, it is led by defending champion Scottie Scheffler. In addition, Rory McIlroy and strong home hopes in Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood will be vying for golf’s oldest major.
2026 The Open
The 154th Open Championship takes place from Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. This marks the eleventh time the historic links venue has hosted the sports betting event.
Specifically, in the United States, NBC Sports provides extensive coverage across NBC USA Network, Golf Channel, and Peacock. There are early-morning streams on Peacock, followed by main broadcasts on the linear networks. Also, full-featured group and Multiview options are available on Peacock throughout all four rounds.
2026 The Open Top Contenders
Naturally, Scottie Scheffler enters as the clear favorite after his recent dominance and status as defending champion. He brings unmatched consistency, ball striking, and mental toughness. Correlate that should translate well to the windy links conditions at Royal Birkdale. This course is where precision off the tee and scrambling ability prove decisive.
Rory McIlroy remains a major threat with his prodigious driving distance and links pedigree. Especially after years of near misses in the Open. He seeks to finally claim the Claret Jug on a course that rewards aggressive yet smart play around the dunes.
Additionally, home favorites Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood carry strong support. Fitzpatrick is a proven major winner who excels in firm conditions. While Fleetwood is a frequent contender at Birkdale. His local knowledge and putting ability could spark a breakthrough in front of passionate British crowds.
Other notable contenders include players like Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa. In turn, their iron play and short game control make them dangerous in variable weather. Veterans with past Open success at the venue add depth to the field. The Open requires experience with true links setups, which often separates the champion from the pack.
Darkhorse Candidates
Several intriguing dark horses could make noise at Royal Birkdale this year. Including Alex Noren, whose consistent links performances and strong showing here in 2017. That positions him well for a top twenty challenge if the wind blows and experience matters most.
Jordan Smith enters in solid form after recent contention and has made the cut in most recent Opens. Thus, making him a value play for those seeking a steady mid-tier performer capable of climbing the leaderboard.
Cameron Young stands out as a long shot with his powerful game and improving Open record. At the same time, Brooks Koepka, at generous odds, brings a major pedigree that could spark a late run if he finds his putting stroke.
Homegrown options like Matthew Jordan or even a qualifier like Joe Dean add romantic underdog stories. Although the real value may lie with links specialists who fly under the radar until the weekend.
2026 The Open SBG Free Picks
To conclude, Sharps believe that Scottie Scheffler stands out as The Open betting odds best bet to win the 154th Open Championship. His world-class consistency, elite ball-striking, and recent major form make him ideally suited to handle the demands of the event.
2026 The Open SBG Best Bets: Scottie Scheffler.