154th Open Championship Tees Off at Royal Birkdale: Scheffler Defends, Fleetwood Eyes Hometown Glory

The final major of the 2026 golf season has officially teed off. The 154th Open Championship is now underway at the historic Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. With expert power rankings, DFS fantasy lineups, and high-stakes prop bets locking in, the pristine links course is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend. Here are the core storylines dominating the conversation on Day 1.

Returning as the 2025 Champion Golfer of the Year, Scottie Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale with a massive target on his back. Dominating the expert picks and betting odds, Scheffler remains the undeniable favorite. The central question for the week is whether his elite ball-striking can pierce through the notoriously unpredictable coastal winds to secure back-to-back Claret Jugs.

No player will feel the electric energy of the crowds quite like Tommy Fleetwood. Born and raised in Southport, Fleetwood is riding an unprecedented wave of local support. Highlighted as a top contender in power rankings, the hometown hero is looking to harness the roaring galleries to capture his elusive first major championship right in his own backyard.

Following a crucial tune-up at the Genesis Scottish Open, Rory McIlroy steps onto the first tee with the weight of expectation. Featured heavily in tournament storylines and marquee tee times, McIlroy’s campaign relies heavily on a strong opening round. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if he can finally break his major drought on this classic links layout.

The stakes have never been higher at Royal Birkdale. The 2026 Open Championship features a massive total purse of $17.75 million. The Champion Golfer of the Year will take home a staggering $3.2 million winner's share. Additionally, conquering this final major awards a pivotal 750 FedExCup points, which will be crucial for players jockeying for position ahead of the season-ending Tour Championship.

As the action gets underway, fans around the world can catch every swing. The official streaming platform, The R&A TV (https://www.randa.tv/home), is offering comprehensive coverage including "Live at the Range" and "Featured Groups". For viewers in Taiwan tuning in via Sportcast, the four-day live broadcast schedule is as follows: