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

COURSE OVERVIEW

Royal Portrush Golf Club returns to host The Open Championship, and it demands a very specific type of golfer to contend. The Dunluce Links stretches over 7,300 yards along the rugged Antrim Coast, where unpredictable winds off the North Atlantic can turn a birdie hole into a bogey nightmare within minutes. Ball-strikers who can work the ball both ways and keep drives in the short stuff are rewarded handsomely here — the rough at Portrush is brutal, and missed fairways often lead to recovery shots rather than green attacks. Approach play into firm, fast greens is equally critical, as precision from 150-200 yards separates contenders from field fillers. Scrambling ability and mental toughness in adverse conditions round out the skill set you want in every lineup this week. Forget the bombers — target the grinders who thrive in links golf.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Rory McIlroy — $12,200

There is no fading Rory at Portrush. His 2019 Open debut here ended in heartbreak, but McIlroy has spent years exorcising those demons and his ball-striking metrics in links conditions are elite. He owns this coastline emotionally and physically. Ownership projection: High (35–45%)

Tommy Fleetwood — $9,800

Fleetwood is one of the most consistent links performers in the world. His long-iron game and low, penetrating ball flight are tailor-made for Portrush. He's recorded multiple top-10s at The Open over the past five years and represents excellent mid-range value. Ownership projection: Mid (18–25%)

Shane Lowry — $10,400

The 2019 Open Champion knows how to handle the emotional weight of this event and thrives in windy, cold conditions. Lowry's iron play is surgical, and his comfort with links golf is unmatched in the current field. Expect him to be a captain's pick in cash. Ownership projection: High (28–38%)

Ludvig Åberg — $9,100

At just 24 years old, Åberg has already proven he belongs on major championship Sunday leaderboards. His towering iron play and composure under pressure make him a sneaky-good target at this price. Expect more informed DFS players to stack him in GPPs. Ownership projection: Mid (15–22%)

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VALUE PLAYS

Daniel Brown — $7,400

The young Englishman has quietly become a reliable links performer on the DP World Tour, and his course management in blustery conditions punches above his salary. Tournament winner experience at seaside venues makes him a GPP darling.

Thriston Lawrence — $7,200

Lawrence's trajectory on the European circuit suggests he's overdue for a major breakthrough. His flight control and patience off the tee make him a dangerous low-ownership dart in large-field tournaments.

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FADES

Scottie Scheffler — $12,500

Scheffler is the best golfer on the planet on a manicured parkland course. Portrush is not that. His historically flat links record and power-heavy game struggle when conditions turn nasty. The price is too high for the course-fit risk.

Xander Schauffele — $11,300

Another elite player who simply hasn't translated his domestic dominance to links golf. Chalk ownership will be significant, making him a liability in GPP formats where differentiation wins tournaments.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

In cash games, anchor your lineup with McIlroy and Lowry — the floor is high enough to justify their salaries. Pair with Fleetwood for stability and use the savings on Brown or Lawrence. In GPPs, build around Åberg as your primary stack differentiator, fade Scheffler entirely, and target international players with links heritage that casual DFS players overlook. Weather windows matter enormously — check tee times and adjust accordingly.

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