Essential Golf

Mid-July has a way of pulling golf fans’ attention toward one thing, and this year that’s Royal Birkdale. The course has been staging classic finishes since the 1950s, and now it’s getting another shot at the spotlight, with the back nine slightly rearranged, and thedefending champion looking to do something almost nobody has pulled off in two decades. Before the first tee shot drops Thursday morning, here’s everything you need to know about the final major on the men’s calendar.

Tom Kim earned the most significant triumph of his career, picking up his first title in 1,001 days thanks to two-shot victory at the Genesis Scottish Open. The 24-year-old South Korean, who’s previous victory came at the 2023 Shriner’s Children’s Open, entered the final round at the Renaissance Club a shot adrift of overnight co-leaders Robert MacIntyre, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Min Woo Lee. But Kim took the initiative by sinking a trio of birdies on the front nine to muscle his way into contention.

Just weeks off her maiden major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, South Korean sensation Haeran Ryu secured her second over the weekend at the Amundi Evian Championship. The 25-year-old took a three-shot lead into Sunday’s final round at Evian Golf Resort after carding a record-breaking 11-under 60 on Saturday — the lowest round ever recorded in an LPGA major. While her third round featured nine birdies and an eagle, Ryu was unable to replicate that momentum on Sunday.

The R&A have announced a new fan code of conduct ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale to help prevent any potential spectator-related incidents at the final men’s major of the season. Titled “The Open Commitment”, the new set of rules “celebrates the unique atmosphere that has defined golf’s original Championship for more than 165 years”.

Jon Rahm has refused to rule out the possibility of handing over his own money to support LIV Golf’s fight for survival as he prepares to make a first start at a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in nearly three years. In April, Saudi Arabia‚Äôs Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed that it would be cutting its funding for the breakaway league at the end of the 2026 season, leaving doubt over the circuits long term future as it looks to secure new financial backing.

Sergio Garcia claims he is “99% sure that LIV Golf is going to continue” as he revealed his intentions to make a return to the DP World Tour. In April, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed that it would be cutting its funding for LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season.

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is preparing to welcome golfers, spectators and leisure guests as The 154th Open returns to Royal Birkdale, Southport, UK, this month. The Championship will take place from 12 to 19 July 2026, with practice days running from 12 to 15 July, followed by Championship play from 16 to 19 July. As one of the biggest sporting events in the world, The Open will bring a huge amount of attention to Southport and the North West.

Spain’s Carolina Chacarra claimed a first Ladies European Tour (LET) title in just her third start thanks to a three-shot victory at the Hulencourt Women’s Open, cementing her as the first rookie winner of 2026. After a frustrating third-round 73, the Spaniard entered Sunday’s final round in Belgium two shots behind overnight leader Kelsey Bennett. However, the Australian faltered down the stretch, while Chacarra kept her card clean with a bogey-free round to charge into contention.

Chris Gotterup staged an impressive comeback by overcoming a five-shot deficit heading into the final round to capture the John Deere Classic. The 26-year-old American came into the final round at TPC Deere Run in 12th but produced a bogey-free 9-under 62, featuring nine birdies, to surge up the leaderboard and finish the tournament on 20 under.

Michael Hollick’s stunning last-gasp eagle putt ensured he collected a first DP World Tour title pipping fellow South African Hennie Du Plessis at a dramatic BMW International Open. The 39-year-old rookie came into the final round at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried as overnight co-leader alongside Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger in a day which was defined by a number of shifts in the tide.