Scottie Scheffler will attempt to defend his Open Championship title as the 154th edition of The Open gets underway Thursday at Royal Birkdale.
The defending champion tees off at 9:58am in the opening round, paired with Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton. Rory McIlroy—the World No. 2 golfer and six-time major winner—starts his bid at 3:15pm alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick, seeking his first Claret Jug since 2014.
Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, hosts the championship through Sunday, July 19, marking the final men’s major of 2026. Scheffler’s victory last year at Royal Liverpool has made him the tournament favourite, though McIlroy’s form and hunger for a second Open title add intrigue to the week.
The 156-player field includes both PGA Tour and LIV Golf players competing at links golf’s most demanding stage. Severe rough, exposed bunkers and firm greens have set up one of the sport’s most testing examinations.
Scheffler’s lead group includes reigning US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, adding a heavyweight feel to the morning draw. McIlroy’s star-studded pairing features newly-crowned major champion Xander Schauffele and Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open winner.
Tee times in both directions begin at 6:35am local time, with the championship concluding Sunday evening. Live scoring and updates available on PGA Tour’s official leaderboard throughout the four-day event.
