Scottie Scheffler’s Open Championship defense in doubt after Scottish Open miss

Scottie Scheffler’s grip on the 2026 Open Championship is suddenly shaky after he missed the cut at the Scottish Open on 12 July. The world No. 1 has not won a major this year and his recent struggles have turned the spotlight on his title defense at Royal Birkdale.

Scheffler played nine events from April to July this season, finishing runner-up four times and missing the cut for the first time in four years at the Scottish Open. His early exit in Scotland came just days before the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. The last time Scheffler lifted the Claret Jug was at Royal Portrush in 2025.

Scheffler’s 2024-25 dominance-nine events, one major, two other titles, and no finish worse than T8-has vanished in 2026. His 2026 run includes four runner-up finishes and a missed cut, raising questions about his form ahead of golf’s final major. The Open at Royal Birkdale has a history of American winners like Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Jordan Spieth, but Scheffler’s recent slide complicates his bid to join them.

Rory McIlroy has played three fewer events this year than in 2025 but says his energy and balance are better. McIlroy shared the lead at the 36-hole mark of the Scottish Open before fading to a top-10 finish. He also contended at the U.S. Open with rounds of 73-73 after opening with 65-67. “The benefits are seeing my family more,” McIlroy said. “Feeling like I have a bit more balance in my life.”

The Open returns to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017, a course where bad bounces and awkward stances test even the best. Scheffler’s mental game and patience will be tested as much as his swing. With the field wide open, every contender-including McIlroy-will need both skill and resilience to claim the Claret Jug.