The Open Championship 2026: Golf’s Oldest Major Returns to Royal Birkdale. And South Africa Has Skin in the Game
Golf’s Oldest Major Returns
Golf’s original major is back, and once again it promises four days of unforgettable drama.
The 154th Open Championship tees off from 16 to 19 July 2026 at the legendary Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport on England’s north-west coast, with practice rounds beginning on 12 July. It will be the 11th time Royal Birkdale has hosted golf’s oldest major, and there will be plenty for South African fans to cheer about.
Whether you’re following the world’s biggest stars or backing the next South African breakthrough, The Open Championship 2026 looks set to deliver another spectacular week of links golf.
A Championship Steeped in History
Few sporting events can match the history of The Open Championship.
First contested in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland with just eight competitors, the tournament has grown into one of the most prestigious events in world sport. Despite its global appeal, The Open has never lost its traditional roots, rotating between the historic links venues that helped shape the modern game.
Royal Birkdale, founded in 1889, first hosted The Open in 1954 and has since crowned champions including Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth, who lifted the Claret Jug in 2017.
The winner will once again earn one of sport’s most iconic trophies and the honour of being crowned Champion Golfer of the Year.
Why The Open Is Different
The Open Championship is one of golf’s four men’s majors alongside the Masters, PGA Championship and US Open.
However, it stands apart for one important reason. It’s the only major played exclusively on links golf courses.
Firm fairways, deep pot bunkers, swirling coastal winds and unpredictable weather mean power alone rarely wins. Instead, players must rely on creativity, patience and exceptional course management, making it arguably the toughest all-round test in professional golf.
South Africa’s Proud Open Championship Legacy
South African golfers have enjoyed remarkable success at The Open.
Bobby Locke led the way by becoming the first South African champion in 1949, before adding titles in 1950, 1952 and 1957 to finish with four Claret Jugs.
Gary Player followed with victories in 1959, 1968 and 1974, completing one of the greatest Open careers in history while becoming one of only a handful of players to achieve the career Grand Slam.
More recently, Ernie Els claimed memorable victories in 2002 and 2012, while Louis Oosthuizen produced one of the finest Open performances of the modern era by winning at St Andrews in 2010 by seven strokes.
Together, Locke, Player, Els and Oosthuizen have collected 10 Open Championship victories, underlining South Africa’s rich tradition in links golf.
South Africans to Watch at Royal Birkdale
South Africa will once again be strongly represented. Rising DP World Tour star Jayden Schaper makes his Open debut after securing qualification through the BMW International Open. Joining him is Casey Jarvis, who booked his place via the Investec South African Open Championship, while veteran Shaun Norris qualified through the Mizuno Open in Japan.
Hennie du Plessis and Michael Hollick also earned places through Final Qualifying and will both make their Open Championship debuts.
While none begin the week among the favourites, links golf has always rewarded patience, imagination and resilience. Qualities South African golfers have shown throughout the tournament’s history.
The Favourites
As things stand, defending champion Scottie Scheffler heads the betting markets after his triumph at Royal Portrush in 2025. Close behind is Rory McIlroy, whose experience on links courses always makes him dangerous.
Other leading contenders include:
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Jon Rahm
- Xander Schauffele
- Ludvig Åberg
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Viktor Hovland
US Open Golf 2026 Outright Betting Favourites
Current outright betting markets place the following players among the leading contenders:
- Scottie Scheffler. 5.00
- Rory McIlroy.7.00
- Jon Rahm. 11.00
- Tommy Fleetwood. 15.00
- Xander Schauffele. 15.00
- Ludvig Åberg. 17.00
- Viktor Hovland. 21.00
- Matt Fitzpatrick. 23.00
Odds are approximate and may vary between bookmakers. If you’re unsure about how betting odds work, take some time to read our guide explaining betting odds.
Players To Watch
Scottie Scheffler: The world No. 1 arrives as a deserved favourite. His elite ball-striking and consistency make him ideally suited to a demanding US Open setup. If he wins, he completes golf’s career Grand Slam.
Rory McIlroy: McIlroy’s Masters victory has reignited his season. His combination of power and experience makes him a major threat, particularly if conditions remain relatively calm.
Jon Rahm: Rahm’s aggressive style and ability to grind out pars on difficult layouts makes him one of the most dangerous contenders in the field.
Ludvig Åberg: One of the most exciting young stars in world golf. Several predictive models rate him as a serious contender despite limited major success so far.
Tommy Fleetwood: Fleetwood’s superb links-style game could prove ideal if the wind becomes a significant factor at Shinnecock Hills.
Best Bet For The Tournament
Scottie Scheffler to Finish Top 10 @ 1.72
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Scheffler continues to be the most consistent golfer in the world. His all-round game suits links golf perfectly, making another top-10 finish one of the safest wagers available.
If you’re unsure about the betting markets in golf and how they work, take the time to read our article explaining golf betting strategy.
Top 5 US Open Golf 2026 Bets
| Bet | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler to Finish Top 10 | 1.72 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| Rory McIlroy Top 10 Finish | 1.95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| Tommy Fleetwood Each-Way | 15.00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| Jayden Schaper to Make the Cut | 2.10 | ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 |
| Ludvig Åberg Top European | 5.50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
The Open Championship has a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and Royal Birkdale is one of the finest stages in world golf.
With world-class talent, unpredictable weather and several exciting South Africans in the field, expect another thrilling edition of golf’s oldest major. Whether you’re watching for the history or looking for the best Open Championship betting tips, this year’s tournament promises plenty of opportunities both on the course and at the bookmakers.
Best Betting Sites for Golf Betting
+ 100 free spins
✓ Live betting
✓ Extensive coverage
✓ Fast payouts
+ R15 free bet & 15 free spins
✓ Big sport variety
✓ Great odds
✓ Good betting options
The Open Championship 2026 FAQ’s
The Most Common Questions Answered
Responsible Gambling: Betting involves financial risk. Gambling can be addictive. Only bet what you can afford to lose. winners know when to stop. This content is for users 18+. The National Responsible Gambling Programme helpline: 0800 006 008 or WhatsApp “Help” to 076 675 0710. All platforms listed are licensed by the relevant South African provincial gambling boards.
NOBULL BETTING
South Africa’s honest betting site reviews. We test, verify, and rate, so you don’t have to. Independent, updated monthly, zero paid placements. By using this website, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. NoBull Betting provides independent betting information and editorial content for general information purposes only and does not offer financial or legal advice. We do not guarantee results or outcomes. You must be 18+ to use this site and to bet online.
© 2026 NoBull Betting · Affiliate disclosure: We earn commission when you click through and register. This does not affect our rankings. · 18+ only · Gamble responsibly.
Sibusiso loves all things sport and has been writing and living the game for the last ten years. Sibo can be found at his local when Liverpool or Pirates plays a match. He brings deep insights into upcoming football or rugby matches.