The 2026 Open Championship hosted at a classic links venue boasts unprecedented prize money for a major golf tournament. Sportsbooks list an open field. Expert predictions exhibit a spread of opinions. Citing various dark horses in the mix, analysts present no clear leader. Forecasts lack unity, while analysts suggest this year may produce a first-time major winner. Coverage also focuses on pre-shot planning on tricky fairways. Royal Birkdale returns as the host course, a classic links layout still challenging pros today.