Scottie Scheffler’s title defense got off to a strong start at Royal Birkdale, a hot opening burst followed by a cold putter leaving him two back of the lead, but firmly in control heading into the weekend.
Days after Nick Faldo said he had “zero clue of strategy,” Bryson DeChambeau opened with a three-under 67 at Royal Birkdale, using the word “strategy” three times in his post-round interview.
Travis Smyth’s post-round press conference had it all, from nerves on the first tee to a hilariously blunt take on what it’s like watching Scottie Scheffler up close.
Adam Scott’s remarkable contribution to golf has been recognised on one of the sport’s biggest stages, with the popular Aussie named the inaugural recipient of the R&A Spirit of Golf Award on the eve of The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.
Min Woo Lee says the firm, brown turf at Royal Birkdale could play right into his hands, building on the mental and technical progress he made at last week’s Scottish Open.
Royal Birkdale demands shots most players rarely need. Here are the five essential shots pros are cramming into their practice ahead of the Open Championship, from the off-green putt to the chunk-and-run.
Ian Baker-Finch’s return to Royal Birkdale has doubled as a recruitment mission, with the Australian PGA chair talking to Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm about playing big-money golf in Australia.
Tyrrell Hatton is never one to talk himself up, and Royal Birkdale is no exception. The self-proclaimed doubter rates his game a five out of 10 ahead of the Open Championship, and jokes about his Sunday chances.
The Open Championship’s total prize pool has risen to AU$25.2 million for 2026, with the winner at Royal Birkdale set to take home AU$4.6 million. Here’s the full payout breakdown for every finishing position.
After his breakthrough major win at Aronimink, Aaron Rai received something special in the mail, a handwritten congratulations letter from Jack Nicklaus.
Jason Day has done it again. After a plain look on Monday, the Aussie showed up to Tuesday’s practice round at Royal Birkdale in full camo, complete with a white belt.
Forget the stats and the odds. Here’s your definitive, tongue-in-cheek ranking of the top 41 contenders at Royal Birkdale, from Matt Fitzpatrick at No.1 down to Bryson DeChambeau at No.41.
Everything you need to know about the Australasian contingent at Royal Birkdale, from tee times and TV coverage to player profiles on Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, Jason Day and more.
Australian Golf Digest
