7 Days to Go: The 5 Biggest Favorites for the 154th Open Championship
· Major Golf Hub
With seven days to go, we analyze the five top contenders for the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, from Scottie Scheffler to Rory McIlroy.
With exactly one week to go until the opening tee shot of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the anticipation in the golf world has reached a fever pitch. The Claret Jug remains the most coveted trophy in the sport, and Birkdale—with its towering dunes and fairways that weave through natural valleys—is widely considered the fairest yet sternest test on the rota.
While linkscourse form can be unpredictable, five names have separated themselves from the pack as the men to beat. Here are the five favorites heading into the final Major of 2026.
1. Scottie Scheffler
The world number one remains the gold standard for ball-striking, a skill that is non-negotiable in the swirling winds of the Lancashire coast. Scheffler's ability to control his trajectory and flight his iron shots gives him a distinct advantage when the breeze picks up. Having already proven he can handle the creative demands of links golf, Scheffler arrives at Birkdale as the oddsmakers' clear favorite.
2. Rory McIlroy
A perennial favorite at The Open, McIlroy’s relationship with this championship is legendary. Royal Birkdale requires immense bravery off the tee, and Rory’s driver remains his greatest weapon. If he can avoid the "one bad round" that has plagued his recent Major campaigns and find a rhythm on the fescue greens, he has the power game to overpower the par-fives and end his decade-long drought in spectacular fashion.
3. Ludvig Åberg
The Swedish sensation is no longer a "prospect"—he is a powerhouse. Åberg’s composure under pressure is statistically elite, and his flat, penetrating ball flight is tailor-made for the seaside. Since his breakout in 2023, he has shown a remarkable affinity for traditional layouts. For many experts, 2026 feels like the year the Swede finally secures his place in the history books.
4. Jon Rahm
The Spaniard possesses the "hands" required for the delicate chips and bunkers of Birkdale. Rahm has often spoken of his love for the creativity required in the UK, and his record at The Open reflects that. He thrives in difficult conditions where par is a good score, and his ability to "grind" through a tough Friday afternoon draw makes him a formidable threat regardless of the weather forecast.
5. Robert MacIntyre
The "Home Favorite" figurehead. While he may be slightly further down the betting board than Scheffler, the Scotsman has become a specialist in heavy winds. With a victory at the Scottish Open and several top-10 finishes in previous Open Championships, MacIntyre understands the nuance of the ground game better than most. If the weather turns foul—as it often does at Birkdale—look for "Bob" to be the one leading the charge.
As the players begin their practice rounds this week, the question remains: who can master the dunes and the elements? We find out in seven days.