Where will the 2026 Open Championship be held?

The 2026 Open Championship, the 154th edition of the tournament, will be held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.

What is Royal Birkdale Golf Club known for?

Royal Birkdale is renowned for its intimidating sand dunes lining the fairways and its design that rewards cautious, strategic play. It has hosted The Open 10 times previously, along with other major events like the Women's Open and Ryder Cups.

Who are some of the notable players expected to contend at the 2026 Open?

Top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Fleetwood are expected to be among the contenders. Past champions at Birkdale include Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJul 25, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

Royal Birkdale to Host 2026 Open Championship; Scheffler, McIlroy Among Early Contenders

The 154th Open Championship will return to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, a course known for its challenging links layout and storied history.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, has been confirmed as the host venue for the 154th Open Championship in 2026. This will mark the 11th time the prestigious major tournament has been held at the historic links course, which last hosted The Open in 2017.

The field is expected to include 156 of the world's top golfers, with Scottie Scheffler anticipated to be a leading figure, potentially arriving to defend the Claret Jug. Scheffler is currently a strong presence in the market, priced at +1300 (FanDuel). Other notable contenders expected to challenge include Rory McIlroy, who is currently available at +750 (FanDuel), and English talents Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood, both of whom are currently priced at +2500 (Bovada) and +2500 (Bovada) respectively.

Royal Birkdale is characterized by its imposing sand dunes that define its low-lying fairways, a design that historically favors a strategic and cautious approach. The course has a rich championship pedigree, having crowned several legendary champions over the years. Past Open winners at Birkdale include Peter Thomson (twice), Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, and Jordan Spieth. Spieth, a former champion at this venue, is currently listed at +4500 (Bovada) in recent markets.

Beyond The Open Championship, Royal Birkdale has also served as the host for other significant events, including six Women's Opens and multiple Ryder Cups, solidifying its reputation as a premier championship venue in golf.

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The Open Championship odds →Tommy Fleetwood Matt Fitzpatrick Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy Jordan Spieth

FAQ

Where will the 2026 Open Championship be held?: The 2026 Open Championship, the 154th edition of the tournament, will be held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.
What is Royal Birkdale Golf Club known for?: Royal Birkdale is renowned for its intimidating sand dunes lining the fairways and its design that rewards cautious, strategic play. It has hosted The Open 10 times previously, along with other major events like the Women's Open and Ryder Cups.
Who are some of the notable players expected to contend at the 2026 Open?: Top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Fleetwood are expected to be among the contenders. Past champions at Birkdale include Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer.