2026 British Open Field Takes Shape as Last-Chance Qualifier Looms for Royal Birkdale

The 154th Open Championship is set to return to Royal Birkdale for the 11th time, with the first round scheduled for July 19, 2026. A field of 156 golfers will compete, aiming to prevent defending champion Scottie Scheffler from securing back-to-back titles. Scheffler is currently priced at +750 (FanDuel) to win The Open Championship.

Qualification for golf's oldest major is structured around 25 distinct exemption categories. A significant pathway to entry is for past Open champions, who are exempt until they reach 60 years of age. This age limit is reduced to 55 for those who won the championship after 2024. Several notable past champions are already confirmed for the field.

Among the past champions slated to compete are Rory McIlroy, currently available at +100000 (FanDuel), and Brian Harman, who is priced at +100000 (FanDuel). Other former winners in the field include Collin Morikawa, listed at +3300 (BetRivers), Shane Lowry at +7000 (DraftKings), and Jordan Spieth at +6600 (BetMGM). Darren Clarke, another past champion, is also expected to participate, with his current market price at +3000 (Bovada).

While many exempt players will compete, some notable names who hold exemptions have chosen not to participate. These include golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and John Daly. Ernie Els, another past champion, also falls into this category, despite being available at +12500 (Bovada) in other markets.

The final spot in the 156-player field will be determined by the Last-Chance Qualifier. This 18-hole stroke-play event, scheduled for July 13, will see 12 players vying for the sole remaining entry into the championship.