As the 2026 Open Championship commences at Royal Birkdale, a New York Post expert has put forth a selection of players poised to contend for the coveted claret jug. The picks include a blend of in-form golfers, seasoned veterans, and potential dark horses.
Among the highlighted contenders is Tommy Fleetwood, described as a "romantic pick" due to his local ties to Southport, the birthplace of the Open Championship venue. The expert suggests it could be an opportune moment for the golfer to secure a victory on home soil.
Chris Gotterup is also featured, noted for his recent success with five wins in the past two years, including a victory at the Scottish Open and a tie for third at last year's British Open. His adaptability to links golf and proficiency with a low "stinger" shot are seen as advantageous, particularly on the firm and baked-out conditions expected at Birkdale.
Matt Fitzpatrick is another player identified as a strong contender. The expert points to his consistent performance, having already won three tournaments this year and achieving six top-five finishes in his last 11 starts.
Veteran Justin Rose, at 45, is also considered a viable candidate. His recent strong showings at major tournaments, including a T-3 at the Masters, T-10 at the PGA Championship, and T-11 at the U.S. Open, underscore his enduring form. Rose, who has twice finished runner-up at the Open and began his career with a T-4 at Birkdale in 1998, represents another potential "romantic pick."
Finally, Matthew Jordan is presented as a potential surprise. The expert suggests Jordan, who hails from the Liverpool area, could emerge as the relative unknown to make a significant impact on the leaderboard, a common narrative in Open Championship history. Jordan has competed in the last three Opens, securing top-10 finishes in two of them.