Open Week Expands Global Stage

What's happened

Golf’s Open at Royal Birkdale is shaping a broader, international discussion on major scheduling. Rahm suggests more international majors; players eye longer seasons. McIlroy and DeChambeau face renewed scrutiny as late-round form and strategy come into focus.

What's behind the headline?

Central questions

• How would adding more international majors change the sport’s calendar and economics? (Rahm suggests exploration across continents)
• Does the current Open format retain its elite status while attracting broader audiences?
• Will players’ shifting schedules affect major competitiveness?

Trends driving the story

• A trend toward globalized sports calendars is evident across leagues, with owners and players weighing commercial value against tradition.
• Recent form among top players (Scheffler, DeChambeau, McIlroy) influences expectations for the Open and future majors.

Implications for readers

• Fans may see more global majors, affecting travel, viewing, and prize structures.
• Players may adjust training cycles to optimize peak performance for a longer season.

Forecast

• The calendar debate will intensify as players and organizers weigh potential sites in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Expect more formal proposals and pilot events in 2027-2028.

How we got here

The Open at Royal Birkdale runs this week, with top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau in the mix. Coverage reflects both a push for broader global reach in golf’s majors and ongoing questions about players’ form after recent misses and successes. The field includes major-winners from the US and Europe, and discussions about the calendar’s balance are intensifying.

Our analysis

The Guardian notes calls for an international major and potential venues outside the US, highlighting Rahm’s stance on a more global major calendar. Independent provides critique of DeChambeau’s recent majors performance and Faldo’s comments on strategy. New York Post covers DeChambeau’s current form and Faldo’s critique, illustrating mixed rhetoric from insiders. Reuters/AFP photography accompanies coverage, grounding the Open’s field in real match play.

Go deeper

• Will the Open’s format be adapted to accommodate a longer major season?
• Which venues are most likely to host new majors if expansion occurs?
• How will players balance peak performance with a busier schedule?

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