The last of the four major golf championships is just around the corner and will be contested at The Open Championship. It is one of the most challenging tournaments of the year, not only because of the links course that it is played on, but also because of the weather conditions and the fact that it requires a combination of creativity, accuracy, experience and adaptability.
With that in mind, the following six PGA Tour golfers have had a good 2026 season and will most likely be contenders for the championship.
Here are six players looking to dominate at the Open Championship. A combination of major winners and other highly consistent players on the tour right now, they all have the tools and experience to take on the testy links and go head-to-head for the championship.
1. Scottie Scheffler: The Undeniable Favorite to Watch
Scottie Scheffler enters golf’s final major as the player everyone is chasing. His position atop the FedEx Cup Rankings reflects a season built on consistency, elite ball-striking, and remarkable composure.
A T4 finish at the US Open once again highlighted his ability to perform when the pressure is highest. Few players have displayed the same week-to-week reliability throughout 2026.
Scheffler’s iron play continues to separate him from much of the field. His ability to control trajectories and attack difficult pin positions makes him especially dangerous in major championship conditions.
For bettors evaluating the field and exploring betting options such as FanDuel golf Major Specials, Scheffler remains the benchmark contender. Every player in the field will ultimately be measured against the standard he has established this season.
2. Matt Fitzpatrick: A Major Champion Worth Considering
The Englishman will arrive at The Open Championship sitting second in the FedEx Cup standings and finishing 22nd at the recently completed US Open. To say he has had a mixed season is an understatement.
With The Open Championship specifically in mind, there are a number of positives for the Englishman. His accurate approach shots and safe play around the green will allow him to get the most out of links courses that demand plenty of patience throughout.
As a seasoned pro, Fitzpatrick knows how to handle the immense pressure of competing in a Major and navigating tricky courses. He will rely on his past experience to set him in good standing for this final Major of the year.
3. Colin Morikawa: A Former Champion Built for Links Golf
As one of the few golfers on the planet whose profile fits so perfectly in The Open Championship field, it’s always interesting to see how Colin Morikawa’s current form stacks up from one Major to the next. A recent winner of this championship, Morikawa is in top form and displaying the typical controlled golf that typically finds plenty of success around a links.
Morikawa is ranked sixth in the current FedEx Cup standings, thus affirming his impressive season to date. His T17 at the US Open was just another in a long line of solid efforts this year, and more importantly, he didn’t have to reach too deep to find the form required to return a decent result before golf’s final major.
Possibly the biggest factor though is that Morikawa already has the knowledge and experience of winning The Open and how he can visit Royal Birkdale and use his pinpoint precision with his irons to really take advantage of the links courses. Also, he has shown the ability to handle the worst of the weather when required.
4. Rory McIlroy: Searching for Another Major Moment
Rory McIlroy is as ever the major draw as the Open heads down to England, and his score at the US Open was uncharacteristically above what one would expect from one of the game’s greatest current players.
While his performance at the US Open may have raised a few eyebrows as to whether or not he can compete at the highest level on a regular basis, it would be a grave mistake to write Rory off for a number of reasons, not least of which is his experience of playing links golf. Additionally McIlroy has an abundance of creative shot-making in his arsenal that will serve him well in this week’s Open Championship.
He is as powerful as ever and can score with the best of them. If he can put his rounds together he could be a big player.
5. Xander Schauffele: Consistency That Demands Respect
Xander Schauffele is one of the world’s best performers at majors. Time and again he manages to get himself into position to perform on the biggest stage of them all.
His T11 finish at the US Open is another solid Major for Schauffele, continuing a trend of good performances at golf’s biggest events throughout his young career.
Schauffele’s strength lies in his ability to put together a well-rounded round of golf on a consistent basis. He is a long and accurate ball-striker, and has the ability to hit quality shots from a variety of different angles. But most importantly, he has the mental composure to perform under pressure.
Golf insights and trends point out that it is Schauffele’s ability to perform on a consistent basis that brings him attention. As a result, he’s one to watch as we head into The Open Championship.
6. JJ Spaun: The Wild Card
JJ Spaun enters The Open Championship carrying both potential and uncertainty. His season has featured moments of impressive play, helping him secure a place among the top competitors in the FedEx Cup standings. However, a missed cut at the US Open leaves legitimate questions regarding his current momentum entering another major championship.
Missing the weekend at a major can disrupt rhythm and confidence, particularly when facing a demanding challenge such as The Open Championship.
At the same time, Spaun has already demonstrated that he can rise to golf’s biggest occasions. Bettors and fans alike will be watching closely to determine whether he can quickly rebound and re-establish himself among the leading contenders.
The Final Major Is Set for a Fascinating Battle
The Open Championship promises another compelling chapter in an already memorable PGA Tour season. Scottie Scheffler enters as the player to beat. Matt Fitzpatrick, Colin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and JJ Spaun meanwhile each bring unique strengths and storylines into the tournament.
Bettors may prioritize proven major champions, current form, or links-golf expertise. Either way these six contenders stand out as players capable of making a significant impact. As golf’s final major approaches, all eyes will be on how this talented group responds.
Tags: Golf, Open Championship
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