The Open 2026: Will Scottie Scheffler defend his title? Sky Sports’ pundits predict who will win and have your say! | Golf News
Each of the last 12 editions of The Open have been won by a first-time champion, but will that run continue this week and who could challenge the world’s best for major victory?
Padraig Harrington was the last player to win back-to-back editions of The Open, defending his title in 2008, while no player has lifted the Claret Jug for a second time since Ernie Els’ 2012 win at Royal Lytham and St Annes.
Scottie Scheffler is looking to end both records by successfully defending his title, a year on from winning at Royal Portrush to complete the third leg of the career Grand Slam, with the world No 1 aiming to bounce back from a shock missed cut at last week’s Genesis Scottish Open.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Open defending champion Scottie Scheffler reflects on his 2025 victory and looks ahead to a tough Royal Birkdale
Four of the last five Champion Golfers have come from America, with US Open champion Wyndham Clark, 2021 Open winner Collin Morikawa and in-form Chris Gotterup among those looking to extend that run this week at Royal Birkdale.
“Royal Birkdale is going to be unbelievably firm,” said Sky Sports Golf’s Andrew Coltart. “The big hitters will have to watch out because their golf ball is going to be running through fairways into thick rough. Short and smart off the tee will get the job done.”
Masters champion Rory McIlroy is another hoping to lift the Claret Jug for a second time, having won at Royal Liverpool in 2014, with four of the last five winners of The Open coming from the top six in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch a selection of Rory McIlroy’s greatest shots from over the years at The Open
“If you had asked me five years ago, I would have definitely said that I would have more Claret Jugs than Green Jackets,” McIlroy told Sky Sports News about his previous major predictions. “I’ve played well at The Open.
“I had the win in 2014, but I’ve had a lot of top-10s. I’ve had two or three really good chances to win this tournament since then. I’d love to get my hands on another Claret Jug.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rory McIlroy spoke to Sky Sports ahead of The Open at Royal Birkdale, where the six-time major champion set his sights on another Claret Jug
Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose are all among the home hopes chasing major victory in Merseyside, with England looking for their first winner since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992.
Which player will join McIlroy, Aaron Rai and Clark as a major champion in 2026 and who could be a dark horse this week? We asked the Sky Sports Golf pundits to name who they think will take home the $3.2 first prize and who could be a surprise pick for major glory…
Can England end 34-year wait for Open win?
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley told Sky Sports: “With his charisma, what he stands for and who he is as a person, I think it would be wonderful to have Fleetwood as a major champion in his hometown here of Southport.
“Fleetwood is not a serial winner, although he did reach the heights of winning one of the biggest events on the PGA Tour. The next level is for him to win one of these majors. What great sportspeople do is they come to play in the big arenas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Tommy Fleetwood says playing The Open at Birkdale in his hometown of Southport is a ‘dream opportunity’ as he aims to claim his first major this weekend
“For Tommy, this is probably the biggest arena of them all, even higher than The Masters; to try and win The Open Championship in the town that you’re from. Arenas don’t get much bigger than that.
“Matt Fitzpatrick is the one you pick to be the favourite (of the English), given his form this year. He’s got good form on the links. He’s an excellent iron player and that will be a key factor this week.”
Who will win The Open?
- Paul McGinley: Scottie Scheffler
- Sir Nick Faldo: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Rich Beem: Tommy Fleetwood
- Dame Laura Davies: Tommy Fleetwood
- Nick Dougherty: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Ewen Murray: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Tim Barter: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Andrew Coltart: Matt Fitzpatrick
- Mark Roe: Scottie Scheffler
- Inci Mehmet: Justin Rose
- Josh Antmann: Russell Henley
Who could be a surprise contender at The Open?
- Sir Nick Faldo: Jacob Bridgeman
- Dame Laura Davies: Brian Harman
- Paul McGinley: Akshay Bhatia
- Rich Beem: Min Woo Lee
- Andrew Coltart: Si Woo Kim
- Nick Dougherty: Alex Fitzpatrick
- Ewen Murray: Patrick Reed
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Russell Henley
- Tim Barter: Alex Fitzpatrick
- Mark Roe: Joaquin Niemann
- Inci Mehmet: Sam Burns
- Josh Antmann: Chris Gotterup
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A look back at the best and worst shots from ex-professional golfers and celebrities in The Open Zone
When is The Open live on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports is once again the exclusive home of The Open in the UK and Ireland, with wall-to-wall action from the final men’s major of the year getting under way at 6.30am on Thursday on Sky Sports Golf.
There will be at least 15 hours of action on both the first two rounds, with bonus feeds available on Sky Sports+ or the Sky Sports App, with extended coverage then starting at 9am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.
