Spanning Xander Schauffele's entire career thus far, there may not have been a harder time to recommend him than right now. The 32-year-old is coming off a missed cut last week at the Renaissance Club, where he lost strokes everywhere except around the green. It's a hiccup that has now existed for two consecutive events. His worst showings have been in the irons and putting, as both areas have lost strokes in four of his last six events. As we arrive at the opening round of the Open Championship, it's difficult to expect things will immediately turn around to make him a worthy fantasy option at his price.

It hasn't been a great time for Patrick Reed in recent Open Championships, as he hasn't finished inside the top 30 since 2019 (solo 10th). However, with his level of play this year and his reinstatement to the PGA Tour coming in a few months, he's certainly trying to get in the mix as much as possible. The 35-year-old is leading the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour, coming off a T13 finish at last week's Scottish Open. He's able to do some real damage on approach, but his biggest strength comes on and around the green, where he averaged 1.76 strokes gained last week at the Renaissance Club between putting and his short game. Those will come in handy at a baked-out Royal Birkdale. For those needing a reliable player with as much upside as anyone with a presumably decent floor, Reed is a solid option.

Rory McIlroy is coming off a T7 at the Scottish Open, where his driver flourished in leading the field in average strokes gained off the tee (1.50). His putter continues to be a bright spot, even with the somewhat limited schedule he's played in 2026, as does the short game. The Northern Irishman is arguably the most prolific major champion in the field this week at Royal Birkdale, and he seems poised to be part of the conversation in the forecasted baked-out conditions. It's been 12 years since he hoisted the Claret Jug for the first time, and McIlroy's quest to become the best European of all time will certainly be bolstered by doing it a second time.

Corey Conners has an up and down history across the pond. The Canadian golfer has had some less than ideal results but two Top 15 finishes at the Open Championship (2021 and 2025). Throwing out the results from the Genesis Scottish Open may be wise (T-52 last week). One worry is his driver accuracy (7% below average). Normally, Conners ranks 13th in driver accuracy at 67.45%. With decent breezes, averaging 303.1 yards off the tee should not be much of a hindrance. The bigger problem is putting. When Conners is rolling, he plays well like at last year's Open. In 2026, he averages 30 putts or worse in Rounds 2 and 3. That has to improve this week for Conners to have a bettor's chance at plus money for a Top 20 or better.