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

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in 2026, and links golf demands an entirely different skillset than anything else on the PGA Tour calendar. Dunluce Links stretches to over 7,300 yards along the rugged Northern Irish coastline, where howling winds off the Atlantic can render distance meaningless and elite ball-striking becomes the great equalizer. Players who thrive here are those who keep the ball below the wind, shape shots both ways, and possess elite scrambling ability from the thick fescue rough. Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Around the Green are the two most predictive metrics for Royal Portrush success. Bombers who rely on overpowering courses with driver and wedges will be exposed. This week belongs to the grinders, the technicians, and the players who have logged meaningful links experience at the amateur or European Tour level.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Rory McIlroy — $11,800

There is no more obvious course fit in professional golf. McIlroy grew up minutes from Royal Portrush, played this course as a teenager, and carries a lifetime of links instincts that money simply cannot buy. His 2019 performance here was derailed by a catastrophic opening hole, but expect a motivated, redemptive Rory this week. His ball-striking metrics rank among the world's best and his iron play on firm, fast links conditions is truly elite. *Ownership: High — worth paying up regardless.*

Shane Lowry — $10,400

The reigning Open champion remains one of the most complete links players in the world. Lowry's low, penetrating ball flight and superior short game make him a dangerous weapon at Portrush. His proximity in moderate-to-high wind conditions consistently outpaces the field. He's a stalwart anchor for cash games and a legitimate tournament winner in GPPs. *Ownership: Mid-High*

Tommy Fleetwood — $9,600

Fleetwood is criminally underpriced heading into a major that suits him perfectly. His history in links majors is outstanding, posting multiple top-ten finishes at The Open, and his iron play has been in vintage form through the summer stretch. At under $10K, he offers outstanding value relative to his ceiling. *Ownership: Mid*

Sepp Straka — $8,200

Straka has been quietly assembling one of the best ball-striking profiles on tour over the past 18 months. His European roots translate into genuine comfort playing in wind, and his SG: Approach numbers this season rank top 15 on tour. At this salary, he's a GPP differentiator with significant upside. *Ownership: Low*

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VALUE PLAYS

Thriston Lawrence — $7,400

The South African has logged extensive European Tour links experience and his course management in adversarial conditions is excellent. His salary remains suppressed despite consistent top-25 finishes in major-adjacent events this year.

Rasmus Hojgaard — $7,100

Hojgaard is a natural links player who grew up competing in windy Danish conditions. His creativity around greens and ability to manufacture pars from difficult positions makes him a sneaky GPP dart at a price that leaves roster flexibility elsewhere.

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FADES

Scottie Scheffler — $12,500

Scheffler is the world's best player, full stop. But his game is built for soft, target golf. Links conditions historically neutralize his dominant wedge game, and his ownership will be massive regardless. Fade him in GPPs and redirect that salary elsewhere.

Xander Schauffele — $10,900

Similar concerns apply to Schauffele. His trajectory-dependent iron game struggles when wind demands a lower, more creative approach. He's been heavily hyped coming in, meaning any stumble delivers maximum damage to chalk lineups.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

This week, roster construction should prioritize floor over upside at the top of your lineup. Lock in McIlroy and Lowry as near-locks in cash games. Build around them with mid-tier links specialists like Fleetwood and one low-owned GPP dart like Straka or