Spectators walk along a path with long grass either side as they watch a practice round for the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Monday, July 13, 2026. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Spain's Angel Hidalgo on the 18th green during a practice round at the British Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale, Southport, England, Monday, July 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

US golfer Scottie Scheffler (L) returns the Claret Jug trophy to to Mark Darbon (R), CEO of The R&A ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Scottie Scheffler (L) poses for a photo with to Mark Darbon (R), CEO of The R&A as he returns the Claret Jug trophy ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy gestures during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy attends a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy gestures during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 14, 2026. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE