American Scottie Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale this week aiming to end one of the British Open's longest-running trends by becoming the first player in 18 years to defend the Claret Jug successfully.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington was the last golfer to retain the title, winning back-to-back Opens, including at Royal Birkdale in 2008. Since then, the championship has crowned only first-time winners.
The last player to win multiple British Opens was South Africa's Ernie Els, who claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in 2012. Since then, golf's oldest major has consistently produced new champions.
Scheffler and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy headline the list of favorites to end that streak, although both arrive at Birkdale with lingering questions about their recent form.
Scheffler, the world's No. 1 player, delivered a dominant display of links golf last year, cruising to a four-shot victory at Royal Portrush to capture his fourth major championship and further cement his status as the man to beat.
