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Royal Birkdale Hosts Open as Golf’s Divisions Face a Pivotal Week

The Open will test whether LIV Golf can secure new investors after the Saudi PIF announced it will end funding at season’s close.

Overview

  • The 154th Open runs July 16–19 at Royal Birkdale with a full star field and defending champion Scottie Scheffler among the favorites.
  • Tournament organizers substantially reworked the course since 2017, changing bunkering, tee positions and routing including the removal of the old par‑3 14th and creation of a new short 15th.
  • LIV Golf has canceled a June event, took an unintended roughly 47‑day break, and is publicly searching for new capital after the PIF said it will end funding following this season.
  • The league also notified employees of an intended WARN Act filing that signals potential mass layoffs, a development that complicates player contracts, event planning and LIV’s 2027 schedule.
  • The week will influence the PGA Tour’s own planning, with the Tour still finalizing its 2027 calendar and moving toward a two‑series structure in 2028 that will reshape member schedules and event access.