Sky Sports pundits predict potential winners at The Open 2026

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 5:29 AM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

Sky Sports pundits predict potential winners at The Open 2026

Summary

As The Open 2026 approaches, Sky Sports pundits discuss potential challengers for the title at Royal Birkdale, starting Thursday. Scottie Scheffler aims to defend his championship title after a missed cut last week. Four of the last five winners came from the top six in the Official World Golf Rankings, suggesting top-ranked players may dominate again. Rory McIlroy seeks to secure his second Claret Jug, while local hopefuls like Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose aim to end England's trophy drought since 1992. Predictions and insights from experts on player performance and course conditions accompany the discussions.

Source Links

Sky Sports

By the Numbers

•The Open starts Thursday at Royal Birkdale.
•Scottie Scheffler looks to defend his title.
•Rory McIlroy aims for his second Claret Jug.
•Local players seek to break England's 34-year win drought.
•Current course conditions may favor strategic play over power.

What they're saying

"
Each of the last 12 editions of The Open have been won by a first-time champion, but will that run continue this week and who could challenge the world’s best for major victory?
— Sky Sports

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