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Five trends identify potential winners at the 2026 Open

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 3:26 PM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

Five trends identify potential winners at the 2026 Open
Summary

The 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale features a diverse field of 156 players, including top competitors like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, both seeking better performances than earlier in the year. Trends from the past decade of Open champions suggest key criteria for potential winners, including prior top-20 finishes and major championship pedigree. The last Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017 was won by Jordan Spieth, who was ranked No. 2 at the time. As the tournament unfolds, analysts will utilize these historical trends to predict who might ultimately raise the Claret Jug this year.

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By the Numbers
  • •Tournament attracts 156 players, with Scheffler and McIlroy prominent.
  • •Recent winners show importance of top-20 finishes in previous Opens.
  • •Five of the last ten winners had already won major championships.
  • •Average of 2.0 strokes gained per round is critical for contenders.
Latest Updates
  • 3:26 PMCBS Sports — 2026 Open picks, predictions: Five trends to help identify the winner at Royal Birkdale
What they're saying
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From a field of 156 players, who can actually raise the Claret Jug?

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