English golfers target 34-year Open drought at Royal Birkdale
The Open returns to Royal Birkdale with a $3.2m prize, as English contenders look to end a three-decade wait for a home champion amid continued American dominance.
The 2026 Open Championship begins on Thursday at Royal Birkdale, where a $3.2m first prize awaits the winner. World number one Scottie Scheffler is attempting to become the first player since Ernie Els in 2012 to win the Claret Jug twice. He is also looking to become the first to defend the title since Padraig Harrington in 2008.
European interest centres on whether England can end a 34-year wait for a home champion, a drought stretching back to Nick Faldo's 1992 victory. Four of the last five winners have been American, continuing a trend of US dominance in the final major of the year. Predicting a winner is further complicated by a historical trend, as each of the last 12 editions have been won by a first-time champion.
Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose lead the English challenge in Merseyside. Paul McGinley highlighted the significance of a local victory, stating: "With his charisma, what he stands for and who he is as a person, I think it would be wonderful to have Fleetwood as a major champion in his hometown here of Southport."
Course conditions at Royal Birkdale could dictate the outcome. "Royal Birkdale is going to be unbelievably firm," said Sky Sports Golf's Andrew Coltart. "The big hitters will have to watch out because their golf ball is going to be running through fairways into thick rough. Short and smart off the tee will get the job done."
That setup favours precise iron players, a factor that has made Fitzpatrick the favourite among English contenders. "Matt Fitzpatrick is the one you pick to be the favourite," McGinley noted. "He's got good form on the links. He's an excellent iron player and that will be a key factor this week."
Rory McIlroy, who won the tournament in 2014, is also aiming to add a second Claret Jug. "I'd love to get my hands on another Claret Jug," McIlroy said. He will have to overcome Scheffler, who is looking to bounce back from a missed cut at last week's Genesis Scottish Open.
For broadcaster Sky Sports, the tournament represents a key asset in retaining subscribers. Holding exclusive UK and Ireland broadcast rights, the network will air at least 15 hours of live action per day during the first two rounds. Extended weekend coverage underscores the strategic value media firms place on securing live major sporting rights to drive audience engagement.
