Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Jul 14

154th Open Brings 156 Golfers to Royal Birkdale as McIlroy Leads 2026 Season Finale

Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Jul 14

154th Open Brings 156 Golfers to Royal Birkdale as McIlroy Leads 2026 Season Finale

Q: After his first missed cut in four years, is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler vulnerable or more prepared to defend his title?

Scheffler looks more prepared than vulnerable, even if the missed cut in Scotland exposed a rare crack. The vulnerability case is real. His missed cut at the Scottish Open ended a 78-event made-cut streak, and he has not won since January despite a season that still includes one victory, four runner-up finishes and several top-5s. There have also been flashes of frustration in recent weeks, including errant shots and unusually loose ball-striking by his standards. For a player who sets such a high bar, that is notable. But the stronger evidence points the other way. The early exit gave Scheffler extra time at Royal Birkdale, a course he had not previously played in competition, and that matters on a links layout where local knowledge, wind management and sightlines are critical. Analysts on site said he appeared unusually relaxed in practice, with Andrew Coltart noting he had “never seen Scottie Scheffler so relaxed.” His broader record also argues against overreacting. One missed cut in nearly four years is less a trend than an outlier. Even when his game has looked off this season, Scheffler has repeatedly salvaged rounds and stayed near the top of leaderboards, including a tie for fourth at the U.S. Open and a playoff loss at the Travelers. At Birkdale, where control and patience are prized more than pure power, Scheffler’s discipline and resilience still make him the man to beat. The missed cut may have sharpened his preparation more than damaged his chances.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Jul 14

Royal Birkdale hosts 156 players this week for the 154th Open Championship, the final men’s major of 2026.
Rory McIlroy enters as the top-ranked contender after a T-4 at Birkdale in 2017 and a T-7 at last week’s Scottish Open, ahead of Scottie Scheffler and hometown hope Tommy Fleetwood.
Jordan Spieth returns to the course where he won the 2017 Open, but the 32-year-old has managed only two victories since that Claret Jug and said his form has not translated into results.
England adds a home-soil storyline through Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, while Joe Dean claimed the last spot Monday in a 12-man qualifier before his wedding next week.
The championship closes a major season shaped by recent form, with contenders ranging from reigning Open champion Scheffler to in-form winners such as Fitzpatrick, Chris Gotterup and Tom Kim.