The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, is set to begin with much anticipation as the tournament organizers, the R&A, have announced the first- and second-round tee times, highlighting some of the biggest names in golf arranged into marquee groupings. This year's event features an intriguing mix of defending champions, major winners, and rising stars, promising a captivating competition for fans and players alike.
One of the headline groups includes the defending Open Champion and reigning Golfer of the Year, Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, currently ranked world No. 1, will kick off his title defense alongside two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and England's Tyrrell Hatton. This trio tees off at 9:58 a.m. local time (4:58 a.m. ET) on Thursday for the opening round, with an afternoon tee time scheduled for Friday. The R&A has deliberately scheduled these groups in different waves-morning and afternoon-to maximize fan engagement and television coverage, ensuring that Scheffler and another marquee player, Rory McIlroy, will be on the course at different times.
This pairing of Scheffler and DeChambeau is especially noteworthy given their current form. Scheffler recently broke a remarkable streak of 78 consecutive cuts made when he missed the cut at the Scottish Open last week. This marked his first missed cut in nearly four years, adding an element of uncertainty to his title defense. DeChambeau, meanwhile, has faced a challenging run in the 2026 majors, having missed the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open. This rough patch is the first time in his career that he has missed three straight major cuts, raising questions about his standing among the game's elite. With the pressure of competing alongside the world No. 1 and defending champion, DeChambeau's performance at Royal Birkdale will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts.
Adding to the intrigue, DeChambeau has openly admitted to using artificial intelligence technology to help adjust his swing following struggles on the LIV Golf tour, notably at the LIV Golf Korea event. This modern approach to refining his game reflects the evolving nature of professional golf and adds an extra layer of interest to his participation in the Open Championship.
In the afternoon wave on Thursday, another star-studded group will tee off at 3:15 p.m. local time (10:15 a.m. ET), led by Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy. McIlroy, ranked world No. 2 and a six-time major champion, recently completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters. He will be joined by Xander Schauffele, who captured the 2024 PGA Championship and Open Championship titles, and England's Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion. These three players bring a wealth of major championship experience and recent success to their grouping.
McIlroy enters the Open Championship in solid form. He tied for seventh at the Scottish Open and has made the cut in all 10 events he has played this season, which includes his Masters victory and four other top-10 finishes. Despite his Masters successes in recent years, McIlroy has not added another Open or PGA Championship title since 2014, when he won both. As a native of Northern Ireland, the Open holds special significance for McIlroy, who is undoubtedly eager to claim another Claret Jug on home soil.
Playing alongside Fitzpatrick adds a compelling dynamic to the group. Fitzpatrick is tied for the PGA Tour lead in 2026 with three wins, matching fellow competitor Chris Gotterup. The Englishman's presence offers a home-nation appeal that will likely energize the local crowd, creating a vibrant atmosphere around this elite grouping. Schauffele's inclusion, as a recent major winner, further intensifies the competition and raises the stakes for McIlroy's quest.
Beyond these headline groups, Royal Birkdale will showcase many other notable pairings that promise exciting matchups. Chris Gotterup, who shares the PGA Tour lead in wins this season with Fitzpatrick, will tee off in the afternoon with Sam Burns and Adam Scott, blending youth and experience in a strong grouping. Another compelling trio includes five-time major champion Brooks Koepka playing alongside former Open Champion Shane Lowry and reigning PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, ensuring a high level of major championship pedigree in that group.
Several other top players will also feature in well-balanced groups. Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jordan Spieth, all multiple major champions, are paired together, creating a trio loaded with talent and competitive firepower. Justin Thomas, Alex Noren, and Jason Day will play just before Scheffler's group, bringing a blend of veterans and consistent performers to the course. Later in the day, the group of Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, and Ludvig Aberg will tee off, with Clark fresh off his second U.S. Open victory, adding momentum and confidence to his game.
Royal Birkdale is hosting The Open Championship for the first time since 2017, when Jordan Spieth won in a thrilling finish. Conditions are expected to be favorable for the opening rounds, giving players a fair chance to showcase their skills early and set the tone for what could be an exciting tournament.
The full schedule of tee times for the first two rounds spans early morning through late morning local time, with players grouped to balance competitiveness and fan interest. The morning wave includes a range of international players and rising talents, while the afternoon wave is packed with marquee names and major champions, creating a dynamic and compelling viewing experience across both days.
In summary, the 154th Open Championship features a star-studded field at Royal Birkdale, with key storylines centering on Scottie Scheffler's attempt to defend his title despite recent struggles, Bryson DeChambeau's efforts to regain major championship form, and Rory McIlroy's quest for another Open victory on home turf. Alongside these narratives, numerous other accomplished players and recent major winners will vie for the Claret Jug, promising an intense and memorable competition. Fans can look forward to two days of high-caliber golf with favorable weather conditions, providing an excellent stage for one of the sport's most prestigious events.