2026 Open Championship picks, predictions: Two prop bets for Royal Birkdale

We’ve arrived at golf’s most volatile tournament. The 154th Open Championship will take place at Royal Birkdale Golf Club for the 11th time in its storied history this week. Played only on the United Kingdom’s toughest links-style courses, 156 competitors must face thick, tall grasses, fast-running fairways and deep pot bunkers.But it’s the wild coastal weather that makes creative shots critical in overcoming four seasons in one day. Scottie Scheffler returns as the defending champion and the +620 outright favorite after missing the cut last week for the first time in 78 starts. In the top finishes markets, we’re looking at reliable approach play and scrambling to tackle this course. Wyndham Clark has hit the gas pedal this season, securing two wins and 10 top-25 finishes.

In fact, he hasn’t finished outside of the top 13 in six straight starts.He just won the U.S.

Open last month for his second major victory and was T4 at last year’s Open. Birkdale demands precise iron play into well-fortified greens — especially from within 150 to 225 yards.Clark ranks No.

17 on Tour in Strokes Gained: Approach; his ability to save par from difficult positions and execute clutch shots under pressure was on full display during his U.S.Open victory.He’s talked about how the swing adjustments he’s implemented with his coach have improved his ball-striking and restored his off-the-tee control.

It’s come out in the wash: Clark ranks No.13 overall in Strokes Gained: Around the Green. Mental fortitude is golf’s most valuable asset and it can’t be more tested in this tournament.

Maybe it’s not the gallery of raucous Long Islanders he endured at Shinnecock last month, but the wind conditions will take patience.Clark’s work with a sports psychologist has been a critical change to his game since last season, equipping him with a process-oriented strategy to handle adversity. You can’t name a more steady major competitor than Justin Rose.

Just thi...