The 154th Open Championship commenced on July 12, 2026, at the historic Royal Birkdale links.
The tournament features a strong field including 15 past champions, 41 debutants, and 10 amateur golfers, all aiming for the Claret Jug.
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This is the 11th time Royal Birkdale has hosted the major championship since its first turn in 1954, according to official records from theopen.
com.
A final spot in the field will be determined on Monday through the debut of the Last-Chance Qualifier.
Twelve players who met exemption criteria set by The R&A will compete for that place.
Scheffler Seeks Back-to-Back Title
Reigning Champion Golfer Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since Padraig Harrington achieved the feat 18 years ago.
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Scheffler won his title at Royal Portrush last year by four strokes, matching the average winning margin of the last three Open Championships.
The field includes two past Birkdale winners: Harrington, who won at three-over-par during high winds in 2008, and Jordan Spieth, who set a record with a 12-under-par total in 2017.
Spieth has made the cut in all 12 of his previous Open appearances.
Historical moments at the venue include Arnold Palmer's legendary recovery shot from thick rough at the 16th hole during his 1961 victory.
Palmer famously said, "I never hit a ball so hard in my life."
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That par-saving shot allowed him to edge out Dai Rees by one stroke to claim the 90th Open title.
