Scottie Scheffler aims to defend Open title as Australia courts his participation

Scottie Scheffler British Open Australian Open Cam Smith missed cut

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler entered the 2026 British Open at Royal Birkdale after missing the cut at the Scottish Open, ending a streak of 78 consecutive cuts – his longest run since Tiger Woods' record. Scheffler described the missed cut as a reset, noting he used the weekend to practice and stay fit before the major. He commented on the firm, fire‑colored conditions at Birkdale, saying “the ball is just going to run forever.”

Australian golfer Cam Smith, the 2025 Open champion, announced a plan to attract Scheffler to the Australian Open, citing “meat pies and flat whites” as a lure. Smith and fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm suggested expanding major events to Australia, while Australian PGA Tour member Min Woo Lee praised Scheffler as “one of the best golfers of his generation.”

The R&A also highlighted Scheffler’s participation in a new Heroes Classic during the Open week, alongside other champions, as part of its inaugural Spirit of Golf award ceremony awarded to Adam Scott.