Royal Birkdale

Ryan Fox, the 2026 British Open golf champion, returned to New Zealand after winning the tournament at Royal Birkdale. He was greeted at Auckland airport by his father, former All Blacks rugby player Grant Fox, and expressed his need for rest and a favorite pie after a hectic schedule of travel and interviews.

Scottie Scheffler defended Bryson DeChambeau after he received a penalty at The Open Championship, while Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau and refused to defend him. DeChambeau faced pre-tournament criticism from analysts Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee, who questioned his strategy and focus, and later clashed with officials over a two-stroke penalty for improving his backswing area. McIlroy and DeChambeau's rivalry intensified, reflecting their differing stances on LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

Jordan Spieth withdrew from the 3M Open after missing the cut at the Open Championship with scores of 73-77. The event will feature Scottie Scheffler, Kurt Kitayama, Max Homa, Joel Dahmen, Hideki Matsuyama, and Keith Mitchell. The 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine offers a contrast to the links-style golf played at Royal Birkdale.

Rory McIlroy criticized Bryson DeChambeau for 'performative' behavior after DeChambeau faced a two-shot penalty at the 2026 Open Championship for allegedly improving the area around his backswing. DeChambeau's actions sparked debate, with some players defending him while others, including McIlroy, condemned his decision to delay the tournament. McIlroy acknowledged the penalty was justified but criticized DeChambeau for holding the event 'hostage.'

Sam Burns leads the British Open at Royal Birkdale after deciding last minute to compete following his daughter's birth. He posted a 5-under 65 to build a two-shot lead, while Bryson DeChambeau remains in contention despite a bogey on the final hole. Other notable performances include Si Woo Kim and Ryan Fox, who tied the major championship record with a 62.

Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty at the Open Championship after officials alleged he improved his lie by stomping down fescue on the fifth hole. DeChambeau disputed the call, arguing with officials on the course and in the clubhouse, but the penalty was enforced, dropping his score from 68 to 70 and placing him in a tie for fifth. Lucas Herbert leads the tournament with a record 62.

Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both shot 62 at the British Open, matching the major championship record. Herbert missed a 5-foot par putt on the 18th hole, while Burns closed with three consecutive birdies, including a bunker shot on the final hole. The record was previously set by Branden Grace in 2017 at Royal Birkdale.

Jackson Suber, an American golfer making his first British Open appearance and first trip to Europe, leads the tournament after a strong opening round. Despite being ranked 115th in the world, he shot a 5-under 65 and remains confident despite challenges in the second round.

Bryson DeChambeau responded to criticism from Nick Faldo and Brandel Chamblee after a 3-under 67 at The Open, following three consecutive missed cuts in major tournaments in 2026. Faldo accused DeChambeau of lacking strategic understanding on links courses, while Chamblee linked his struggles to focus on YouTube content over golf performance.

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy discussed their thoughts on legacy and mortality ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Scheffler humorously remarked, 'we’re all going to die,' while McIlroy expressed indifference to his posthumous reputation, stating he 'don’t care' and will 'be dead.'

David Howard, a 27-year-old Irishman with cystic fibrosis, is competing in the British Open at Royal Birkdale. A qualified mechanic and world amateur golf ranked No. 1,456, he manages his condition with daily medication and now focuses on golf full-time. His journey includes overcoming health challenges and mental health struggles during the pandemic.