The Open Championship 2026: Scheffler, McIlroy and South Africa’s stars battle for the Claret Jug

Golf’s oldest major championship returns to Royal Birkdale as the world’s best players compete for the famous Claret Jug at The Open Championship 2026.

The 154th edition of the tournament takes place from 16-19 July, with Royal Birkdale hosting The Open for the first time since 2017, when Jordan Spieth produced a dramatic finish to claim victory.

With major champions, world-class contenders and a strong South African presence in the field, golf fans can expect four days of exciting action and plenty of betting opportunities.

The Open Championship 2026 details

Tournament	The Open Championship
Venue	Royal Birkdale
Dates	16-19 July 2026
Championship	154th Open Championship
Defending Champion	Scottie Scheffler
Watch Live	DStv

Royal Birkdale is one of the most respected venues on the Open rota, known for its challenging links layout and unpredictable coastal conditions that test every part of a golfer’s game.

Scottie Scheffler leads the favourites

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale looking to defend his Open Championship title and add another major victory to his growing list of achievements.

Scheffler has become one of golf’s most consistent performers, regularly competing at the top of major championships. His ability to handle pressure and adapt to difficult conditions makes him one of the leading contenders heading into the tournament.

Golf bettors will be watching closely to see whether Scheffler can become the first player in years to successfully defend the Claret Jug.

Rory McIlroy chasing another major triumph

Rory McIlroy remains one of the biggest names in the field and will be aiming to add another Open Championship title to his career achievements.

The Northern Irishman has enjoyed success on links courses throughout his career and his experience in challenging British conditions makes him one of the players most likely to challenge for the trophy.

A strong performance at Royal Birkdale could see McIlroy once again compete for one of golf’s biggest prizes.

Home hopes at Royal Birkdale

English golfers will have strong local support, with Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick among the players expected to challenge.

Fleetwood’s links ability makes him a popular contender, while Fitzpatrick brings major championship experience and proven performances against the world’s best players.

Both players will be looking to take advantage of home conditions and deliver a memorable Open Championship performance.

South Africans ready to compete

South Africa will be represented by a talented group of golfers looking to make their mark at Royal Birkdale.

The South African players in the field include:

• Aldrich Potgieter
• Jack Buchanan
• Hennie du Plessis
• Casey Jarvis
• Jayden Schaper
• Michael Hollick
• Shaun Norris
• MJ Daffue

Aldrich Potgieter will tee off on Thursday alongside fellow South African amateur Jack Buchanan and Sweden’s Jesper Svensson.

One of the biggest South African storylines will be Casey Jarvis, who earned his place after winning the Investec South African Open Championship. The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents following impressive performances on the DP World Tour.

Watch The Open Championship live on DStv

Fans can follow every round of The Open Championship live on DStv.

Round	Date	Coverage
Round 1	Thursday 16 July	SS Golf, Golf Africa, Grandstand – 7:30am-9:30pm
Round 2	Friday 17 July	SS Golf, Golf Africa, Grandstand – 7:30am-9:30pm
Round 3	Saturday 18 July	SS Golf, Golf Africa, Grandstand – 11am-9pm
Final Round	Sunday 19 July	SS Golf, Golf Africa, Grandstand, CSN – 10am-8pm

Bet on The Open Championship with Bet.co.za

The stage is set for another unforgettable major championship as golf’s biggest stars battle through Royal Birkdale’s famous links conditions.

Will Scottie Scheffler successfully defend his title? Can Rory McIlroy lift another major trophy? Or will a new champion emerge and claim the Claret Jug?

Follow The Open Championship betting markets on Bet.co.za and stay updated throughout the tournament.

Bet responsibly.