🏆2026 Open Championship Preview | The NEW Royal Birkdale | James Nicholas on Qualifying for The Open

Welcome To The Preferred Lines Podcast. The ultimate preview detailing EVERYTHING you need to know for the 2026 Open Championship, powered by Read The Line. The boys begin by welcoming James Nicholas, a recent Korn Ferry Tour Winner who qualified for The Open. They asked about his path in creating a brand through social media, what jealousies have been brought about from our Tour pros, and what his expectations are in preparing for the upcoming Open at Royal Birkdale.  There have been some massive, risky changes made to Royal Birkdale since it last hosted The Open in 2017. We present a comprehensive deep dive with graphic images on the primary changes, including exploring the WHY for Royal Birkdale, and why it has positioned itself to be the flagship venue in the Open rota for years to come. Finally, we provide a comprehensive review of the current odds board, dishing out takes on the pre-tournament favorites, as well as exploring value options and bets further down the board. We hope you enjoy the show and share with a friend! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:12 James Nicholas 21:50 Royal Birkdale History 24:15 Spieth Shenanigans 33:30 Why They Redid Birkdale 37:45 MAJOR CHANGES 58:08 The Betting Board 🏌️ Course Breakdown 📊 Key Betting Stats 🔥 Best Bets & Longshots ❌ Fades & Trap Plays 💰 Outrights, Props & DFS Angles 🏆 Full 2026 Open Preview and Bets 🔥 Powered by READ THE LINE We're proud to be supported by Read The Line — the most comprehensive and intuitive golf betting platform in the world. 📈 Get weekly betting models, premium insights, and full PGA TOUR coverage all season long. 👉 Subscribe here: https://www.readtheline.com/subscribe/ 🎟 Use code LINES for 25% OFF (limited-time offer) True Linkswear : Proud supporter of the show and presenting sponsor of the buy or sell segment. The best shoes in the world! Enjoy the Walk. www.truelinkswear.com Please support our newest sponsor: Wolfhammer Golf! The ultimate app for golf betting in your home games, with revolutionary tech and USGA GHIN integration. It's time to organize the chaos! First month free! Link: https://wolfhammergolf.com/ Access to the best stat modeling software in the business...for 50% OFF, use code LINES to sign up for the Rabbit Hole and get full access to our stat models for every week. https://www.betspertsgolf.com/golf-be... 20% off any purchase at BDraddy with promo code RTL20: Elite attire on and off the golf course, and officially team USA Presidents Cup uniform supplier. The best in the business. BDraddy.com 🎧 Listen on Podcast Prefer audio? Find Preferred Lines on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📲 Follow the Show Twitter (X): @TourPicks | @PGATout | @ReadTheLine_ ⛳ Join the Community If you enjoy weekly PGA TOUR betting previews and data-driven picks: 👍 Like this video (helps the algorithm massively) 🔔 Subscribe for weekly tournament previews 💬 Comment your favorite 2026 Open Championship