GOLF DFS: THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 DRAFTKINGS PICKS, TARGETS & LINEUP STRATEGY

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2026, bringing with it the raw, unforgiving links terrain that separates true ball-strikers from pretenders. Dunluce Links demands relentless precision off the tee — the thick fescue rough, pot bunkers, and dramatic elevation changes punish even the slightest deviation from the fairway. Wind management is paramount, as gusts off the North Atlantic can swing scoring dramatically from morning to afternoon wave. Players who thrive here combine exceptional iron play with a creative short game capable of navigating firm, fast greens that reject anything other than a bump-and-run approach. Driving accuracy trumps raw distance, and strokes gained: approach-the-green metrics should anchor every roster decision you make this week.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Rory McIlroy — $12,200

No player on the planet carries more motivation or course familiarity at Royal Portrush than McIlroy, who grew up just miles from the links. He's demonstrated elite tee-to-green ball-striking in links conditions throughout his career, and the Irish crowd will only fuel his focus. A strong floor combined with massive ceiling makes him a near-lock in cash games.

*Ownership Projection: High*

Tommy Fleetwood — $9,800

Fleetwood has been quietly assembling one of the most impressive links profiles on Tour, finishing inside the top 15 at The Open in three of his last four appearances. His low, controlled ball flight is perfectly suited for the wind-swept Antrim coast. At a mid-tier salary, he offers elite upside without the full chalk exposure of the top tier.

*Ownership Projection: Mid*

Rasmus Højgaard — $8,600

The Danish bomber has evolved into a precision player capable of threading irons in difficult wind conditions — exactly what Portrush demands. His recent European Tour form has been outstanding, and his salary hasn't caught up to his current level of play. Expect moderate ownership, making him ideal for tournament lineups seeking differentiation.

*Ownership Projection: Mid*

Robert MacIntyre — $9,100

The Scottish lefty was born for links golf. MacIntyre's low-trajectory iron play and relentless competitive edge have seen him challenge at multiple Majors, and Portrush suits his natural fade shape through the corridors. He's a GPP cornerstone at a price that still leaves roster flexibility.

*Ownership Projection: Mid*

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VALUE PLAYS

Daniel Hillier — $7,400

The New Zealander has sharpened his links credentials on the DP World Tour and arrives at Portrush in solid form. His driving accuracy ranks among the best in the field and represents tremendous value at this price point.

Thriston Lawrence — $7,100

Lawrence has quietly improved his iron play and links adaptability over the past 18 months. At sub-$7,200, he provides the cheap roster flexibility necessary to fit premium studs into your DraftKings lineup without sacrifice.

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FADES

Scottie Scheffler — $12,500

The World No. 1 is an automatic chalk play for casual players, but his trajectory-heavy, high-spin approach game has historically struggled in firm, windy links conditions. His ownership will be enormous — the risk-reward doesn't justify it in GPPs.

Xander Schauffele — $11,200

Another elite ball-striker who statistically underperforms in pure links environments. Despite his Major pedigree, Portrush's style of play doesn't align with his strengths. Fade in tournaments, monitor in cash.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

Build around one premium anchor — McIlroy or Fleetwood — then stack two mid-salary course fits like MacIntyre and Højgaard. Use your value slots on Hillier or Lawrence to unlock that top-end spending. In GPPs, prioritize differentiation through the middle tier rather than loading up on chalk. Weather windows will matter enormously — monitor tee times and pivot accordingly on lock.

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*For more expert DFS analysis, course breakdowns, and optimal lineup tools, visit Scout Intel before lineups lock.*

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