The Open Championship 2026 preview: Odds, favourites, tips and predictions

• Ladbrokes previews The Open Championship 2026, which is being played on July 16-19, 2026

• Defending champion Scottish Scheffler is the favourite with Rory McIlroy the closest challenger

• Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm make up the top-five favourites

The Open Championship heads to Royal Birkdale for golf's final major of the year - and Ladbrokes previews all the action.

Favourite Scottie Scheffler is looking to retain the Claret Jug in Southport with Rory McIlroy close by in the betting, but with links golf often producing unpredictable leaderboards, there are plenty of contenders capable of challenging over four days on England's Golf Coast.

The Open Championship 2026 favourites

World No1 Scheffler sits at the head of the market as he looks to defend the Claret Jug after his victory at Royal Portrush in 2025. The American has been the standout player in men's golf over the past two seasons and arrives as the man everyone else has to beat.

Masters 2026 winner McIlroy is close behind in the betting and will be looking to add a second Open Championship to his CV. His links pedigree is well established, and with Royal Birkdale placing a premium on creativity and course management, many expect him to mount another major challenge.

Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood are next in the market as joint-third favourites, with both Englishmen fancied to mount a serious challenge at Royal Birkdale. Fitzpatrick has enjoyed an excellent season and has the all-round game to thrive on a demanding links layout, while Fleetwood will be hoping home support can inspire him to a maiden major title at one of England's most iconic courses.

Jon Rahm sits fifth in the betting and remains one of the biggest threats thanks to his proven major pedigree. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the future of LIV Golf, and it remains to be seen how that will affect the Spaniard as he prepares to line up in this major.