From Travis Smyth’s blunt first-tee confession to Bryson DeChambeau refusing all TV interviews, here are 19 things learned from four straight hours in the Open Championship media room at Royal Birkdale.
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.
There is room for debate as to whether the claret jug is the most iconic item awarded to a tournament winner in golf, a chorus of folks representing a sleepy town in Georgia likely arguing that a certain emerald blazer has an awful lot of cachet, too.
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.
Nick Faldo does not grace our television sets as often as he used to, but that is not going to stop him from absolutely firing off some takes when he gets the opportunity.
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.
Australian Golf Digest
