The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale saw a dramatic shift in fortunes, with several high-profile golfers failing to make the cut. Among the notable names who fell short were Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth, and Wyndham Clark, all of whom had been expected to contend for the title.
Fitzpatrick, a pre-tournament favorite, struggled in the heat, finishing three shots below the cutline after a disappointing 4-over performance on Friday. This marked a stark contrast to his pre-tournament expectations, leaving fans and analysts alike perplexed.
Spieth, the 2017 champion, also faced a challenging day, with his putting letting him down. A three-putt double bogey from 4 feet at the par-3 seventh hole and a quadruple-bogey on the par-5 17th saw him drop to 10-over, ultimately leading to an early exit.
Clark, who had been in form leading up to the tournament, also fell short. Despite recovering four shots in the closing four holes, he finished two behind the line after an erratic front nine on Friday. The early morning tee time, with mild temperatures and lighter winds, offered little advantage, highlighting the challenges of the course.
The absence of these top players from the weekend rounds is a significant blow to the tournament, especially given the opportunity to shoot low scores in the calm conditions. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns, however, showcased their prowess, equaling the lowest ever score in The Open with second-round 62s.
The tournament also saw the disappointment of other notable golfers, including Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, and Brian Harman, all of whom failed to make the cut. The last two major winners, Aaron Rai and Tom Kim, also missed the weekend, marking a challenging period for the sport.
Despite the setbacks, the tournament continued to offer excitement, with Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele managing to squeeze in, albeit with much work to do to catch up with the leaders. The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale will be remembered as a testament to the unpredictability and drama that golf can offer, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next major tournament.
