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Spieth Recalls 2025 Open Champion Conversation Ahead of 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale
Jordan Spieth described a recent locker room conversation with Scottie Scheffler about which player would be considered the defending champion for the 2026 Open Championship. The exchange occurred before Scheffler's final round last year. Spieth won the event at Royal Birkdale in 2017.
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Jordan Spieth recalled joking with 2025 Open champion Scottie Scheffler in a locker room about who would be considered the defending champion for the 2026 Open. ” The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale in July 2026. Spieth won the title there in 2017 after a dramatic final-round comeback against Matt Kuchar.
He started the day with a three-shot lead but trailed by one shot on the 14th tee after five bogeys. Spieth played holes 14 through 17 in five under par to regain control and lift the Claret Jug. Scheffler won the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Spieth said he plans to arrive at Royal Birkdale a couple of days early to learn the course before official practice rounds. He called it a great aerial golf course and one of the hardest Open venues, adding that he is excited to see new holes added since 2017. Spieth identified his six-iron tee shot on the 14th hole in 2017 as the best of his career.
The shot lipped out for birdie and restored his momentum during the final round.
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