Champions Predict Unpredictable Conditions at Birkdale

Weird stuff is going to happen – “Weird stuff is going to happen” – that’s the message from Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler as they prepare for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Rather than the stormy conditions many expect, golfers are facing firm, sun-baked fairways under clear skies. The two dominant players since January 2025 have combined for four major titles across seven events, and both see unique challenges ahead.

Course Transforms Under Summer Heat

Birkdale has always been known for testing players through dramatic weather shifts. In 2017, organizers paused play during the second round as fierce winds and rain battered the Southport course. Going back to 2008, Padraig Harrington won despite difficult conditions, finishing four shots clear of Ian Poulter at three over par.

This year tells a different story. Extended sunshine has dried the course significantly, creating faster conditions that reward aggressive strategies. McIlroy, who won here in 2014, noticed the transformation during practice.

“The course is primed for an amazing week. It’s as linksy as links gets,” McIlroy told BBC Sport’s Iain Carter. “It’s a lot different than when I was here a few weeks ago. It’s not quite as green, the rough isn’t quite as juicy – it’s still long, the fescue, but it’s a little thinner because of the weather we’ve had.”

With portions of the rough scorched by sunlight, McIlroy plans to attack more boldly. His recent Scottish Open performance—rounds of 73 and 64 for a tied seventh-place finish—gave him confidence heading into this championship.

Scheffler Embraces the Challenge

As world number one and defending champion, Scheffler brings momentum despite a rare missed cut at the Scottish Open. The American remains positive about what awaits.

“There are some extreme conditions,” Scheffler noted. “The wind direction is going to change as the tournament starts, but overall getting some extra rest going into a major championship is never the worst thing, but I really hate missing cuts, too.”

Scheffler, who won at Royal Portrush last year by 17 under par, highlighted the mental demands of this week. He expects unpredictable ball behavior and unusual situations that will test decision-making throughout the course.

“It’s very interesting. A lot of thinking. You’re going to get some weird bounces, some weird stuff is going to happen, but a lot of thinking off the tee and going into the greens and it’s been a lot of fun to prepare for.”

Renovations Add New Dimensions

Since Jordan Spieth’s 2017 victory, Birkdale has seen substantial changes. Updates to holes five, seven, fourteen, and fifteen have reshaped the playing experience. Scheffler spotted these modifications immediately during practice.

“The one thing I found interesting is it’s so obvious as to which holes had been redone,” Scheffler said. “They look like they’re not even on the same golf course. You look at 14, 15, 16, those green complexes and the amount of slope that they have off of them are pretty severe and quite challenging.”

Both players also reflected on what legacy means beyond statistics. Scheffler, now 30 with four major titles, shared his philosophy on being remembered.

“I have never once thought about how I’m going to be remembered,” he explained. “Like when I die: ‘Hey, Scottie won four majors and 20 tournaments and he won this much money’ – that has zero effect on me. History to me just isn’t that important. I don’t necessarily want to be remembered for winning the tournaments, I’d much rather be remembered for the way that I did it.”

McIlroy, one of only six men to achieve the career Grand Slam, mirrors this focus on the present. Together, these champions stand ready to compete on one of golf’s most legendary courses.