2 Days to Go: Fantasy Picks and Dark Horses for The 155th Open Championship
· Major Golf Hub
With 2 days to go until The Open 2026 at Royal Lytham, we analyze the top fantasy picks, strategic plays, and long-shot dark horses to watch.
With only 48 hours remaining until the first tee shot rings out at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, the anticipation for the 155th Open Championship has reached a fever pitch. The Claret Jug is back on the Lancashire coast for the first time since 2012, and the links are playing firm, fast, and notoriously treacherous.
For fantasy managers and betting enthusiasts, Lytham presents a unique puzzle. Unlike the wide-open fairways of St Andrews, Lytham is defined by its 200+ bunkers and a closing stretch that can ruin a scorecard in a matter of minutes. As you finalize your lineups, here are the strategic plays for the week.
The Heavyweights (Tier 1)
Scottie Scheffler
It is impossible to ignore the world’s most consistent ball-striker. Royal Lytham demands precision off the tee to avoid those deep, sod-walled bunkers, and Scheffler’s ability to control his flight in crosswinds is unrivaled. While his putter is always the question mark on slower links greens, his tee-to-green statistics make him the safest floor in fantasy formats.
Ludvig Åberg
The young Swede has proven that his game travels. Winners at Lytham—like Ernie Els and Tom Weiskopf—have historically been elite drivers of the ball. Åberg’s ability to carry fairway hazards while maintaining laser-like accuracy makes him a prototype for this layout.
The Value Picks (Mid-Tier)
Tyrrell Hatton
Hatton has the temperament and the pedigree for a grind-it-out Open. He is a multi-time winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and excels when the conditions turn sour. His creative short game and experience on Lancashire turf make him a high-upside play for those looking to save salary cap space.
Tommy Fleetwood
The local hero. Growing up just down the road in Southport, Fleetwood knows these winds better than anyone in the field. He has been remarkably consistent in Major Championships over the last few years, and the emotional boost of a home crowd could be what finally pushes him over the line for his first Major title.
The Dark Horses (Sleepers)
Thomas Detry
The Belgian has become a staple on Major leaderboards recently without capturing much of the media spotlight. He is an exceptional putter and has shown a knack for navigating difficult scoring conditions. At long odds, he is a perfect "glue" guy for a daily fantasy roster.
Min Woo Lee
If the wind stays down, “The Chef” can cook. His low-stinger drive is a weapon designed specifically for links golf. While he can be volatile, his ability to scramble for par out of deep pot bunkers gives him a fighting chance to finish inside the Top 20.
Final Strategy Tip
Check the Thursday morning weather forecast. Lytham is famous for its "half-day" weather shifts. If the early starters get a calm breeze while the afternoon wave faces a 25mph gale, you’ll want to stack your roster accordingly. The road to the Claret Jug begins in 48 hours—choose wisely.