DeChambeau, Scheffler Build on Strong Open Starts as McIlroy Chases Round 2 Revival

Q: Can an Englishman finally end a 34-year drought by winning the coveted Claret Jug on home soil?

Yes — this is one of the strongest chances in years, but it is far from settled. The headline English hope is Tommy Fleetwood, the Southport native playing on home soil at Royal Birkdale. He opened with a 69 and has the local knowledge, crowd support and links pedigree to stay in contention. Matt Fitzpatrick is another serious candidate, arriving with strong 2026 form and a top-tier world ranking, while Justin Rose and other English players add depth to the home challenge. That said, the tournament is being led by Lucas Herbert at 9 under after a brilliant second-round 62, with Sam Burns also surging. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and defending champion, remains a major threat after his solid start, and Bryson DeChambeau is also well placed. Rory McIlroy has improved in round two and cannot be discounted. The broader drought narrative is real, though often misstated. Nick Faldo was the last English winner of The Open in 1992, but that victory came in Scotland. The last Englishman to win the Claret Jug on English soil was Tony Jacklin in 1969, so the home-soil wait is even longer than 34 years. So the answer is yes: an Englishman can end the drought this week, and Fleetwood in particular gives that hope real substance. But with elite international contenders and only the second round unfolding, England has opportunity rather than control.

3 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · Jul 17

Royal Birkdale’s second round centered on Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler trying to extend the momentum from their solid opening rounds at The Open 2026.
Rory McIlroy entered Friday needing a sharper Round 2 after a weaker start, making his response one of the day’s main storylines.
The live leaderboard remained fluid through the afternoon, with the focus on whether the early contenders could consolidate position before the weekend cut and moving day.

Sources

Sky Sports17h ago

Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler at The Open 2026 Second Round at Royal Birkdale

The New York Times17h ago

The Open 2026 live updates: Round 1 latest with Scheffler, DeChambeau in top 10, McIlroy on back 9 - The Athletic

Fox News17h ago

Rory McIlroy forgetting how to make putts leads the 2026 Open Championship storylines after round one

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With underdogs firing record scores, can favorites like Scheffler and McIlroy survive Royal Birkdale's brutal test?

As major champions face the cut, who has the right strategy for the merciless links conditions?

Can an Englishman finally end a 34-year drought by winning the coveted Claret Jug on home soil?

DeChambeau, Scheffler Build on Strong Open Starts as McIlroy Chases Round 2 Revival

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