Scottie Scheffler finishes second at Open Championship despite dominant majors run

Scottie Scheffler came up short at the 2026 Open Championship, ending his bid for a fifth major title despite a sterling season-long run.

What happened?

Scottie Scheffler finished tied for second at the Open Championship on 20 July at Royal Birkdale. Ryan Fox claimed the Claret Jug with a closing 65, while Scheffler closed with a 69 to finish at 7-under par. The American missed the green jacket by three strokes after leading at times during the final round.

How did Scheffler perform in the majors?

Scheffler’s 2026 majors campaign ended without a trophy, but he still topped the season-long race. His -20 total across the four majors matched Sam Burns, the best among players who made all cuts. Scheffler tied Burns at Royal Birkdale, McIlroy at Augusta, and led the PGA before fading to T-14.

Why it matters for Scheffler

This year marks the first time since 2025 that Scheffler didn’t win a major. In 2025 he claimed two, pushing toward the career grand slam. Now he’s 0-for-4 in 2026 majors, though his consistency keeps him in elite company. Fox’s victory means Scheffler’s drought extends while rivals like McIlroy and Schauffele press on.

What comes next?

Scheffler still has the FedEx Cup playoffs and the Presidents’ Cup ahead. He’ll chase an individual win before Team USA’s fall event. The 26-year-old remains a favorite, but the majors slip away again.