Which player won the 2025 Open Championship before the 2026 Open?

Scottie Scheffler won the 2025 Open Championship before the 2026 Open. He captured the title at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, finishing four strokes ahead of Harris English.

Scheffler's four-round total was 267, or 17 under par. His scores were 68, 64, 67 and 68, giving him four consecutive rounds in the 60s. The victory was his fourth major championship and his first Open title, moving him another step toward the career Grand Slam.

The 2025 Open was the 153rd edition of the championship and ran from 17 to 20 July. Scheffler began the final round with a four-shot lead over Li Haotong and maintained control despite a double bogey at the eighth hole. He responded with birdies at the ninth and 12th before closing with six straight pars.

Harris English was the runner-up, while Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele both finished tied for seventh. Those players were among the notable names in the field, but neither won the 2025 Open.