The 2026 Open Championship is fast approaching, and the betting market is already creating plenty of discussion. After the 2025 Open Championship attracted its largest television audience since the championship returned to St. Andrews, anticipation is even higher this year.
With Royal Birkdale hosting the year’s final major, fans are studying the favorites and searching for the best value before the first tee shot.
Scottie Scheffler enters the championship as the clear favorite after winning last year’s Open. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Tommy Fleetwood are also among the leading contenders, while several other big names hope to challenge for the Claret Jug.
Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are two players attracting attention for different reasons. Koepka returns to a course where he finished tied for sixth, while DeChambeau is still looking to make his first cut in a major championship this season.
Top 3 Storylines Ahead of 2026 Open Championship
Scottie Scheffler Chases Another Open Title
Scheffler tops the betting board at +500 as he looks to defend his 2025 Open Championship title. Although he has gone through a rare spell without a victory, many still believe he is the player to beat at Royal Birkdale.
McIlroy follows at +750, while Rahm, Schauffele, and Fleetwood are each listed at +1600. Matt Fitzpatrick sits at +2000 after another steady season, and Cameron Young and Ludvig Åberg are both priced at +2500.
Many bettors using an online casino or sportsbook will be watching closely to see if Scheffler can live up to his status as the tournament favorite.
Brooks Koepka’s Odds Raise Questions
Koepka enters the championship at +5000 despite his strong record in major tournaments. He also has good memories of Royal Birkdale after finishing tied for sixth the last time the Open Championship was played there.
His odds match those of Alex Fitzpatrick, who has enjoyed a stronger 2026 season and will have the advantage of playing in his home country. Even so, Koepka’s experience in major championships could make him a dangerous contender.
Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark’s odds have changed dramatically over the past few months. He started the year at +12500 before dropping to +10000 during his run to the U.S. Open title. After finishing tied for fifth at the Travelers Championship, he now sits at +4000.
ALSO READ: Wyndham Clark Reveals the Key Behind His Putting Change
Bryson DeChambeau and Course Changes Add More Interest
DeChambeau heads to Royal Birkdale with +2800 odds after a difficult run in the majors this season. Before the U.S. Open, he ranked among the top favorites, but his recent results have caused bookmakers to lower their expectations.
He now shares the same odds as Justin Rose and Collin Morikawa. Rose will enjoy home support, while Morikawa continues to compete despite dealing with an injury.
Royal Birkdale will also present a fresh test after several course updates, including a redesigned par-5 fifth hole and a new par-3 15th. Those course changes could also influence betting decisions, as bettors assess which players’ games are best suited to Royal Birkdale’s updated layout.
Main Photo Credit: © Mike Frey-Imagn Images
