The Open makes major Scottie Scheffler announcement ahead of Royal Birkdale

The R&A has confirmed reigning Champion Golfer Scottie Scheffler will headline the inaugural Heroes Classic at Royal Birkdale on Tuesday 14 July, just days before The 154th Open gets underway.

As part of the event, Scheffler, 30, will officially return the Claret Jug before joining a star-studded field for the new fan-focused showcase, which has been introduced to launch Open Championship week in a more relaxed setting.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of the first Heroes Classic," said world number one and four-time major champion Scheffler. 

"It's a great concept and a fun way to kick off the week at Royal Birkdale. It's also going to be fun for the fans to experience that relaxed environment right before the main Championship gets underway."

The inaugural Heroes Classic has been designed to give spectators a closer look at some of the biggest names in golf while celebrating the game's history and showcasing The R&A's work to grow the sport around the world.

Scheffler will be joined by a host of major champions and Ryder Cup stars, including Jordan Spieth, Pádraig Harrington, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. AIG Women's Open champion Miyu Yamashita, Women's Amateur champion Paula Martín Sampedro and G4D Open champion Brendan Lawlor have also been confirmed, along with rugby great Bryan Habana.

The exhibition will feature teams of three competing over Royal Birkdale's first, second and ninth holes in a Texas Scramble format, designed to maximise player involvement and create an entertaining spectacle for fans.

Chris Gabe, Director of Fan Experiences at The R&A, believes the event will offer a unique start to Open week.

"We are constantly looking for new ways to elevate the fan experience, and this showcase brings spectators closer to the game and the players they love," Gabe said. 

"The Heroes Classic delivers exactly that. It is going to be an unforgettable week of golf."

The announcement also represents the final opportunity for fans to secure access to the Championship. 

General admission tickets for The Open are sold out, with the remaining availability limited to Hospitality Experiences, Ticket Plus packages and official Destination Packages.

Royal Birkdale will stage The Open for an 11th time in 2026. 

The iconic Southport links last hosted the Championship in 2017, when Jordan Spieth claimed his third major title after a dramatic final-round victory. 

The venue has also witnessed Pádraig Harrington successfully defend the Claret Jug in 2008 and Tom Watson capture his fifth and final Open title in 1983.