TRADER CHAT Q&A: The Open Championship 2026

We spoke to Star Sports’ Head of Golf Glenn Day for more insight into what to expect at The Open Championship, players to look out for, and the unique markets that Star Sports are offering.

⭐️ STARSPORTS.BET GOLF MARKETS ⭐️

🗣️ Firstly, how excited are you for The Open?

💬 GD: “The major I look forward to more than any other. The uniqueness of links play makes it special. Nothing better than the sight of the spectators huddled together in front of the giant yellow scoreboard in the pouring rain!

“Too many golf events are played in great weather on what are essentially no more than long pitch and putt courses, but The Open, with the right conditions/setup and weather can provide a true test for the best the sport has to offer.”

🗣️ How has pre-tournament business been – has it hit the levels you were expecting?

💬 GD: “As I write this first thing on Tuesday, business has been OK.

“Over the last month or so, the main focus of attention has undoubtedly been the World Cup, and it has impacted our business on other sports, but I do expect a flurry of business on Wednesday before the early start Thursday morning.”

🗣️ How is the ante-post book looking, what have you laid so far?

💬 GD: “Tommy Fleetwood is always popular Ante Post for the Majors and the local lad has been a popular pick for The Open all year.

“Although he will hurt our pockets he could be the first leg of a major sporting double for England come Sunday night.”

🗣️ Who do you think is best suited to this year’s course and conditions?

💬 GD: “It played quite tough when Jordan Spieth won at Birkdale 10 years ago. Wow, I cant believe it was that long ago! Scottie and Rory always contend and find a way to get it done in any conditions. Bobby MacIntyre loves links golf and played well last weekend despite coming up a bit short and I think he will be involved.

“Wyndham Clark is red hot at the moment and also had a decent week in Scotland and i would expect the same this week. You don’t usually get shock winners of The Open. the cream normally rises to the top. Only 3 winners have been priced between 60-90/1 in the last 14 years.

“You have to go back a fair way to the likes of Ben Curtis and Todd Hamilton and i would expect someone from the front of the market to prevail this week.”

🗣️ Are there any players you’re happy to take on this week despite strong market support?

💬 GD: “Scottie Scheffler is the obvious one despite now being a backable price. It is not that long ago that he would have been a third of the price he is currently. A missed cut at The Scottish Open showed again that he isn’t quite the player he was earlier in the year.

“Although he can most definitely bounce back, I don’t mind getting him in the book. Jon Rahm is another I am keen to take on.

“Outside of the LIV events, he doesn’t seem to quite hit the same levels of form and again I don’t mind seeing a red figure next to his name. Matt Fitzpatrick, Wyndham Clark and Robert MacIntyre are the three I am most firmly with.”

🗣️ Is there anyone in the market you think could be underestimated?

💬 GD: “I don’t think there is.

“There are plenty of players in form and a few not quite, but I think the market has found them all. I don’t look down the list and see any standout prices.

“Obviously, I hope I am wrong and someone unconsidered does come out of the pack and takes the spoils!”

🗣️ What offers and promotions can customers look forward to throughout The Open?

💬 GD: “I think our best offer is 7 places for the 1st Round Leader. Always a popular market, so the extra places help. Already proving popular. We will have regular price boosts on many of the markets and as always we offer a couple of markets that not many other firms do with our Tournament Winning Score and Handicap.

“There may be a few more specials to come, which can all be found on our site.”