Power Rankings: British Open 2026

Key Points:

• Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, is set to host the 154th Open Championship, featuring 156 qualified players competing for the claret jug amid unpredictable weather conditions influenced by the nearby Irish Sea.
• The prevailing wind is expected from the north during the early rounds, shifting to a southwesterly breeze for weekend play, with moderate winds and dry, warm temperatures in the 70s forecasted throughout the tournament.
• Significant course changes include the debut of a new par-3 15th hole at 241 yards and the repositioning of the old 15th to a par-5 14th hole, extending Royal Birkdale to 7,223 yards, following a major redesign by architect Tom Mackenzie.
• The course’s history includes Jordan Spieth’s 2017 victory and Branden Grace’s record-breaking bogey-free 62, with the 2017 Open noted for its high scoring average, emphasizing the challenge Royal Birkdale presents under varying conditions.
• Top finishers gain valuable exemptions: the top 10 qualify for the 2027 Open at St Andrews, the top four earn spots in the 2027 Masters, and the winner receives extended exemptions into majors and PGA TOUR events through 2031.