Scheffler primed for Birkdale

Spaniard Jon Rahm arrives at the British Open this week with the fire to make his presence felt. — Photo: AFP

All is set for this week’s 154th British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club – the old and famous tournament returning to one of the most illustrious venues in championship golf.

It will be the 11th Open hosted at Birkdale, a tract carved through towering dunes and famed for champions who so expertly combine precision, patience, and nerve.

Established in 1889 and redesigned in 1922, Royal Birkdale’s modern layout remains one of the great tests in links golf – demanding accuracy off the tee, creativity around the greens and resilience when the wind gets up along the Southport coastline.

Leading a cast of the world’s elite will be Scottie Scheffler, once again the favourite heading into a major championship week.

The world No. 1 has been the game’s benchmark for consistency, despite his 2026 season yielding just one PGA Tour victory – the American Express Championship in January.

Scheffler will arrive at Royal Birkdale seeking his first major of the season, and another Claret Jug to accompany the one he captured last year at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

The American’s ball‑striking remains unmatched, his temperament still unshakeable, and his ability to control his trajectory in heavy winds makes him a natural favourite on links terrain.

Alongside the Texas-based star, Rory McIlroy returns to the Open with renewed confidence after claiming the Masters in April.

McIlroy’s history at the Open is long and rich, and his ability to overpower par‑5s while shaping iron shots into tight landing areas makes him a threat.

His challenge will be closely watched, especially given his improved form in 2026 and his comfort on courses that reward aggressive driving.

Behind the headline duo there’s a star-studded line-up. Tommy Fleetwood, the local favourite from Southport, will no doubt enjoy huge support.

Only few players know Royal Birkdale’s real dangers better than Fleetwood. The Englishman will aim to use his control in the crosswinds to his advantage and combine that with his recent run of top‑10 finishes to make a run for the Claret Jug.

His runner‑up finish at the 2019 Open remains a career highlight, and a home‑soil major triumph would be seismic.

Jon Rahm enters the Open with sheer power, short‑game creativity, and the ability to thrive in difficult conditions – traits that have made him a constant presence on major leaderboards.

Rahm’s form has sharpened in recent months, and Birkdale’s demanding test could suit his high‑flight iron play.

Xander Schauffele, one of the more reliable performers in major championships, should also be in the mix.

His calm and methodical style make him a strong fit for Royal Birkdale, where patience often outweighs aggression.

Schauffele’s ability to avoid mistakes and maintain momentum through tough stretches is also one of his greatest assets.

Viktor Hovland also arrives with renewed confidence after his latest triumph, adding further depth to the field.

His improved short game and trademark ball‑striking give him the tools to contend on links courses, and his top finishes underline his growing maturity in major settings.

Other names to watch include Matt Fitzpatrick, whose precision and tactical approach suit Royal Birkdale, Ludvig Aberg, whose meteoric rise continues to draw attention and Wyndham Clark, the reigning US Open champion whose power and putting touch make him a dangerous presence.

So, as the world’s best prepare to tackle Royal Birkdale, the stage is set for another compelling chapter in British Open history, a week where consistency, creativity and calm under pressure will determine who lifts the Claret Jug next Sunday.