2026 Open Championship Field Set with LIV Golf Qualifiers

The 154th Open Championship, the final men's major of the year, will begin on Thursday, July 16, at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. The historic links course is hosting the tournament for the 11th time and for the first time since 2017.

World number one Scottie Scheffler will defend the title he won last year at Royal Portrush. He enters as the pre-tournament favorite, backed by consistent major performances this season that include a joint-second finish at the Masters and a tie for fourth at the U.S. Open. Scheffler is attempting to become the first player to successfully defend the Open title since Padraig Harrington did so at Birkdale in 2008.

The 156-player field features a significant contingent from the LIV Golf circuit, including major champions Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka. Other notable LIV qualifiers include Joaquin Niemann, Louis Oosthuizen, and players like Lucas Herbert and Peter Uihlein who advanced through final qualifying. Several high-profile LIV players will be absent, however. Phil Mickelson has missed all majors this year due to a private family matter, Dustin Johnson opted not to attempt qualification, and Sergio Garcia...