Storylines for the Open Championship: Tommy Fleetwood prepares for home game

It's time for the fourth and final major championship of the season, as the best players on the PGA Tour and beyond have congregated at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England for the 2026 Open Championship. Let's break down the juiciest storylines for the 154th Open.

Scottie Scheffler returns to defend title

At this time last year, Scheffler looked unbeatable. The World No. 1 won the Open Championship at Royal Portrush to claim his second major championship of the season and his fourth of six wins in 2025. It's been a different story this season, as Scheffler has only one win in 2026 and is coming off his first missed cut in his last 79 starts. 

Scheffler is still the betting favorite at every sportsbook to win the Open Championship, but he's not playing like the dominant force we've become used to watching over the last few years. 

Tommy Fleetwood seeks major breakthrough in hometown Open

Fleetwood is arguably the best player in the world without a major championship to his name. Although the 35-year-old would take any major victory at this point, none would be as meaningful as a win at Royal Birkdale. 

Fleetwood grew up in Southport and used to sneak onto Royal Birkdale as a child. As he prepares for his hometown Open, the reigning FedEx Cup champion spoke about what a win here would mean to him.