Betting odds for the PGA Open Championship 2026: Predictions and best bets

By Klimentijs Konevs | Published: July 15, 2026, 13:40

The 2026 Open Championship is the final men's major of the season, which will take place on July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale in England. The iconic links course returns as the host for the 11th time, with several changes made since 2017, including redesigned holes and bunkers.

Royal Birkdale has long been regarded as one of the toughest venues on The Open rota. Deep bunkers, firm fairways and unpredictable coastal winds can quickly punish even the smallest mistakes.

Scottie Scheffler heads to the tournament as the defending champion and bookmakers' favourite. Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm are among the biggest challengers. With a world-class field of 156 players, another thrilling battle for the Claret Jug is expected.

Links golf demands a unique skill set, so recent form, course fit and experience in windy conditions are just as important as outright talent. Below are the five leading favourites to lift the trophy.

Scottie Scheffler - 8.50

Scheffler is the defending Open champion after lifting the Claret Jug by four shots in 2025. Although he surprisingly missed the cut at last week's Scottish Open, he remains the favourite. He has had another outstanding season that included a victory at The American Express and a runner-up finish at the Masters. Scheffler has all the tools needed for links golf, and he should quickly put last week's disappointment behind him.

Rory McIlroy - 9.00

McIlroy added a second straight Masters title to his collection earlier this season. The Northern Irishman already knows what it takes to win The Open, having claimed the Claret Jug in 2014, and links golf has always suited his game. McIlroy finished inside the top 10 at the Scottish Open despite admitting he is still searching for his best form. He is one of the biggest threats to Scheffler this week.

Matt Fitzpatrick - 15.00

Fitzpatrick has put together one of the most consistent seasons on tour, collecting three victories and several top-five finishes. As an Englishman, he will enjoy strong home support, and many experts believe Royal Birkdale's demanding layout suits his methodical style of play. Fitzpatrick also finished inside the top 10 at last year's Open and has repeatedly shown he can perform in difficult conditions.

Tommy Fleetwood - 15.00

Fleetwood will have extra motivation this week, having grown up in nearby Southport. His experience in windy conditions and excellent ball striking make him an ideal fit for Royal Birkdale. His consistent results in major championships keep him among the favourites. Tommy is still chasing his first major title, but this could be one of his best opportunities yet.

Jon Rahm - 21.00

Rahm arrives at The Open after another great season. The Spaniard has already spoken about taking a patient approach at Royal Birkdale, believing accuracy will be far more important than power on the fast layout. If Rahm keeps the ball out of the deep bunkers and adapts well to the links conditions, he has every chance of adding another major title to his collection.

Xander Schauffele - 23.00

Schauffele shouldn't be overlooked despite sitting just outside the leading favourites. The American lifted the Claret Jug in 2024 and has the experience needed to handle links golf. While his recent form hasn't been as strong as some of his rivals', Schauffele has an excellent major championship record.

Chris Gotterup - 29.00

Chris Gotterup has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season. He already has three PGA Tour victories this year and arrives at Royal Birkdale in excellent form after proving he can thrive in links conditions with a Scottish Open win. His ability to shape different ball flights makes him a very intriguing outsider for this week.

Collin Morikawa - 29.00

Morikawa is another player capable of outperforming his odds. The 2021 Open champion is regarded as one of the best iron players in the world, and several experts believe Royal Birkdale's firm and fast conditions suit his precise style perfectly. If accuracy becomes more important than power, Morikawa has every chance of finding himself in contention.

Scottie Scheffler to win - 8.50

Scheffler remains the most complete player in the field despite missing the cut at the Scottish Open. His consistency in major championships is unmatched, and as the defending champion, he has every chance of winning the Claret Jug once again.

Rory McIlroy to finish in the top 5 - 3.10

McIlroy has been one of the standout performers in 2026, with his second consecutive Masters victory in a row. His excellent record in links golf makes a top-five finish a realistic expectation.

Chris Gotterup to finish in the top 10 - 4.20

Gotterup has enjoyed a breakthrough season with his impressive victory at the Scottish Open. He has already shown he can handle links conditions, and his recent form suggests he has a strong chance of contending for another big result.

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