2026 Open picks, predictions: Five trends to help identify the winner at Royal Birkdale

CBS Sports has published a feature analyzing trends to help predict the winner of the 2026 Open Championship, set to be held at Royal Birkdale. The article examines a field of 156 players competing for the Claret Jug, identifying five key statistical or historical trends to narrow down potential champions. Royal Birkdale, a links course in England, will host the major for the first time since 2017.