​Scottie Scheffler claimed $3.1 million at Royal Portrush last year, securing a four-shot victory that marked his second major triumph of the year and the third leg in his pursuit of the career Grand Slam. With that win, the United States extended its overseas streak to three, as Americans have captured the claret jug in the last three Open Championships, the longest such streak for the U.S. in two decades.
As the Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale, here are the key details you should know. The most recent visit to Royal Birkdale saw Jordan Spieth navigate a roller-coaster final nine holes, finishing with a birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie run to beat Matt Kuchar by three strokes. Spieth captured the Open crown in 2017, marking his third major title and his own Grand Slam bid at the time, at age 23.
Open champions who have etched their names on the Royal Birkdale leaderboard include Jordan Spieth (2017), Padraig Harrington (2008), Mark O’Meara (1998), Ian Baker-Finch (1991), Tom Watson (1983), Johnny Miller (1976), Lee Trevino (1971), Arnold Palmer (1961), and Peter Thomson (1954 and 1965). Looking ahead to 2026, major champions so far include Rory McIlroy (Masters winner), Aaron Rai (PGA Championship), and Wyndham Clark (U.S. Open).
Course changes for the Open at Birkdale feature a redesigned 5th hole, transforming the reachable par-4 into a player-friendly, non-blind approach shot. Additionally, the old par-5 15th has been repurposed as the 14th, and a brand-new par-3 opened at 15th, measuring 241 yards. A notable stat to consider: Rory McIlroy is the only player to win a major this year while ranked inside the world’s top 10. It’s also worth noting that the Open is currently the stretch where the tournament has gone the longest since a consecutive back-to-back winner among the four majors, a feat last accomplished in 2007-08.
As one legend put it: “It’s pure golf. There’s certainly an element of luck involved, but if you keep delivering good shots, luck tends to swing in your favor.” That sentiment rings true as players prepare for the challenges of Royal Birkdale.
Broadcast information for the Open Championship is as follows: Thursday and Friday coverage runs from 1:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Peacock, 4:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on USA Network; Saturday sees action from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on USA Network and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on NBC; Sunday’s schedule is 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on USA Network and 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on NBC.
Looking ahead to the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, several compelling betting angles are in play. For instance, will Bryson DeChambeau finally break through with his first major-cut appearance of the year, or could Brooks Koepka leverage his T-6 finish at Royal Birkdale in 2017 to push deeper this time around? Oddsmakers have lines for these questions and more, offering a range of angles for fans and bettors alike as the tournament approaches.