Overview
- The 154th Open runs July 16–19 at Royal Birkdale with Scottie Scheffler the defending champion and a full 156-player field that includes more than a dozen LIV golfers.
- Royal Birkdale was substantially redesigned since 2017 with rerouted holes, new bunkering, an added short par‑3 and an extended layout that will change strategy and scoring this week.
- The R&A added a Last‑Chance Qualifier on Monday, an 18‑hole shootout among 12 players that awards one final spot in the championship field.
- LIV Golf has entered an uncertain phase after the Saudi Public Investment Fund said it will end seasonal funding and the league has filed WARN notices while it seeks new investors, a prospect that could affect its 2027 schedule and staff levels.
- The Open arrives as a crossroads for the sport: the PGA Tour plans a two‑series competitive restructure for 2028 and this major is one of the last events where top players from both sides will meet before schedules and exemptions are renegotiated.