World Cup 2026 is the sporting spectacle on everyone’s lips right now, but lest we forget it is nearly time for the final golf major of the year, the world-famous Open Championship.
The only one of the four high-profile tournaments to be held outside of the United States of America, this event holds a special place in the heart of every single professional golfer.
Courses in the United Kingdom throw up unique challenges, though this time around the wind and rain may not be an issue.
Royal Birkdale in Southport is playing host, and the weather forecast from Thursday to Sunday looks lovely and mild, with little to no precipitation or fierce gusts predicted.
However, the heatwaves which have swept through the UK in recent weeks will make sure the links course on the Sefton Coast is fast and firm, which should still help put the world’s best golfers to the ultimate test.
We cannot wait for the 154th edition of the heralded Open Championship to get underway, and below is a quick sports betting preview to further whet the appetite, with the latest golf odds from the NetBet Sport platform.
And we also have an exclusive Open Championship Free Bet Offer for all verified customers. Place a qualifying £10 single bet on the tournament and receive a £5 Free Bet.
Where can I watch The Open Championship 2026 in the UK?
Every single shot of The Open Championship 2026 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage starting on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30am UK time.
What happened at The Open Championship 2025?
Last year’s edition was held at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland and World No1 Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, finishing on -17 and four shots ahead of second-placed Harris English.
Chris Gotterup claimed the bronze medal on -12, with Rory McIlroy in a T7 position on -10.
The Open Championship 2026 Winner Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Scottie Scheffler – 8.10
Rory McIlroy – 9.00
Tommy Fleetwood – 14.00
Matt Fitzpatrick – 14.00
Jon Rahm – 21.00
Xander Schauffele – 25.00
Colin Morikawa – 26.00
Robert Macintyre – 26.00
Chris Gotterup – 26.00
Justin Rose – 29.00
Ludvig Aberg – 29.00
Wyndham Clark – 29.00
Viktor Hovland – 29.00
Tyrrell Hatton – 29.00
Cameron Young – 31.00
Russell Henley – 41.00
Sam Burns – 41.00
Si Woo Kim – 41.00
Tom Kim – 46.00
Shane Lowry – 46.00
Patrick Reed – 46.00
Min Woo Lee – 46.00
Joaquin Niemann – 51.00
Justin Thomas – 51.00
Bryson Dechambeau – 56.00
Alex Fitzpatrick – 56.00
Patrick Cantlay – 61.00
Aaron Rai – 61.00
JJ Spain – 61.00
Brooks Koepka – 67.00
Jordan Spieth – 67.00
Nicolai Hojgaard – 67.00
It is close at the top between reigning champion Scheffler and McIlroy, who won this tournament back in 2014.
This was the last major Scheffler added to his collection, with the American failing to win any of the other three this year.
McIlroy stood tall at the Masters, Aaron Rai claimed the victory at the PGA Championship and Wyndham Clark won the US Open.
All names above will fancy their chances of glory here, though if you are looking for an outside pick with recent for behind them, Korean sensation Tom Kim is the man.
Kim won the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club last Sunday, finishing on -17 and hitting -6 in the fourth round.
However, Norwegian star Viktor Hovland also hit -6 in the fourth round and is another outside shot to keep a close eye on, with many regarding him as the best player on the circuit to not win a major.
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