Who Will Lift the Claret Jug? Our Tournament Breakdown of the 2026 Open Championship

As we approach the last major championship of the season, the race for the Claret Jug is on. This year's Open Championship is set to feature some of the biggest names in the sport. With the unprecedented weather expected for this year's tournament it is set to be anyone's years to win. From the established superstars looking to add another major to their resume to rising contenders searching for a breakthrough victory, here's a look at the golfers with the best chance to hoist the Claret Jug.

It's been 9 years since the last Open Championship was hosted at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, which saw Jordan Spieth win his last major championship and only Open. Though the weather this year could not be further from what the field endured in 2017. The forecast calls for a warm and dry week ahead for the field of 156, with the usual blistering winds. Spieth enters this week as a hefty underdog sitting at +10000 to walk away the 2026 Open Champion.

This year is truly anyone's year to win but here is a breakdown of who we have our eyes on:

Scott Scheffler

Topping our list is the man who has been ranked World Number 1 for 163 consecutive weeks, Scottie Scheffler. Though his impressive 78 consecutive cuts made ended last week at the Genesis Scottish Open, we know he will have his eyes set on the Claret Jug. Scottie is looking to become the first person to win back to back Open Championships since Pádraig Harrington in 2007 & 2008. After already finishing 2nd and 4th in majors this year, Scottie can almost taste another victory.

Rory McIlroy

Sitting at number 2 in the OWGR and having already won the 2026 Masters, Rory is primed for another Major victory. He has only won The Open Champions once before in 2014, beating out Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia on Sunday. Though he has seen success finishing in the Top 10 three of the last four years, including leading in 2022 going into the final round. Coming off a T-7 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open last week, Rory will be looking to carry some of that momentum into this week.

Matthew Fitzpatrick

Arguably the hottest player in the sport right now, Matt has won 3 times in 2026 and has finish in the top 5 in three of his last four starts. He is seeking his second major championship after winning the US Open in 2022 over Scottie Scheffler by 1 stroke. While Fitzpatrick is not one of the longest drivers in the league he does lead the field in both Strokes Gained: Approach the Green and Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green. This will likely give him an advantage with the winds the field will have to endure at Royal Birkdale this week.

The Sleepers

Robert MacIntyre: The only Scottish player in the 156 man field, coming off a strong performance last week and looking to win his first major championship.

Tommy Fleetwood: After winning the Tour Championship last year, a major championship is within arms' reach.

Xander Schauffele: He has finished Top 10 in ten of his last fifteen major appearances, including winning the 2024 Open Championship.

Collin Morikawa: Seeking his first major win in 5 years, 2026 has seen Morikawa jump back in the Top 10 best golfers in the world.

We are excited to see the twists and turns in store for the 2026 Open Championship. Could we have a first time major winner this year? Could the weather conditions create an opportunity to break records?

Stay with WKBMG for live updates, leaderboard coverage, and complete analysis from the 2026 Open Championship.