Royal Birkdale prepares for The Open
The Royal Birkdale course is set to present a significant challenge to golfers at The Open 2026, with firm and fast conditions headlining discussions in the lead-up to the tournament. These conditions are expected to influence player strategy, particularly off the tee, as the course has dried out considerably.
Andrew Coltart of Sky Sports Golf noted that the course will be “unbelievably firm,” suggesting that big hitters will need to be cautious as their golf balls could run through fairways into thick rough. He indicated that a “short and smart off the tee” approach might be more effective.
Rory McIlroy commented on the “double-edged sword” nature of the dry weather, sun, and wind. While beneficial for the course in some respects, he observed that the rough is less penal than it was weeks prior due to the drying. This could lead some players to be more aggressive with their drivers, aiming to bypass fairway bunkers even if it means landing in the rough, where a wedge shot might still be manageable.
Strategic decisions on a ‘browned out’ course
The firm and fast conditions at Royal Birkdale are prompting some players to adjust their equipment. Justin Rose, who made his amateur debut at Birkdale in 1998, plans to include 2-, 3-, and 4-irons in his bag, replacing his usual 7-wood and one wedge. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, will carry a 3-iron but make no other changes, acknowledging that the “browned out” course increases the mental demands of the game.
Scheffler explained that the ball will “run for forever pretty much” on the tight fairways, which, combined with crosswinds, makes holding the fairways difficult. He highlighted the strategic decisions players face on each hole regarding whether to use a driver and potentially play from the rough, or opt for irons to hit fairways and face longer shots into the greens. The firmness of the course, he believes, significantly increases the challenge and decision-making required.
Since it last hosted The Open in 2017, Royal Birkdale has undergone several modifications. These include alterations to the 5th hole to create a risk-reward drivable par-4, an elevated green at the par-3 7th, and changes to a cluster of holes on the back nine, specifically the 13th, 14th, and a new par-3 15th.
McIlroy generally approves of these changes, despite some greens appearing “unnatural” with their runoffs and mounding. He believes these features, along with the firm conditions and a forecast without rain, will contribute to a challenging conclusion to the major championship season. He noted that creating options and doubt for professional golfers makes the game more engaging for viewers.
Pundits weigh in on potential champions
The question of who will lift the Claret Jug is a key topic among pundits. Scottie Scheffler aims to defend his title, a year after his win at Royal Portrush, which completed the third leg of his career Grand Slam. He is also looking to rebound from a missed cut at the recent Genesis Scottish Open.
Historically, the last 12 editions of The Open have been won by first-time champions. Padraig Harrington was the last player to successfully defend his title in 2008, and no player has won the Claret Jug for a second time since Ernie Els’ victory in 2012. Four of the last five Champion Golfers have been American, with US Open champion Wyndham Clark, 2021 Open winner Collin Morikawa, and Chris Gotterup among those hoping to continue this trend.
Rory McIlroy is also seeking a second Claret Jug, having won at Royal Liverpool in 2014. He has expressed a desire for another win, having achieved many top-10 finishes and several strong chances since his 2014 victory. Four of the last five winners of The Open have been ranked within the top six of the Official World Golf Rankings.
English hopes are pinned on players such as Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose, as England seeks its first winner since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992. Paul McGinley suggested that a win for Fleetwood in his hometown of Southport would be “wonderful,” acknowledging Fleetwood’s ability to perform in major arenas. McGinley also identified Fitzpatrick as a favourite among the English contingent due to his current form and strong links play.
Several pundits have offered their predictions for the winner:
- Paul McGinley: Scottie Scheffler
- Sir Nick Faldo: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Rich Beem: Tommy Fleetwood
- Dame Laura Davies: Tommy Fleetwood
- Nick Dougherty: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Ewen Murray: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Tim Barter: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Andrew Coltart: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Mark Roe: Scottie Scheffler
- Inci Mehmet: Justin Rose
- Josh Antmann: Russell Henley
Pundits also named potential surprise contenders, including Chris Gotterup. Coverage of The Open begins at 6:30 AM on Thursday.
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Source: skysports.com
