Rory McIlroy (Image credit: Getty Images) The 154th Open Championship is set to begin on Thursday, July 16, at the iconic Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. The tournament marks the first time golf’s oldest major has returned to the famous venue since 2017, when Jordan Spieth lifted the Claret Jug.All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy, who is aiming to win his second major title of the 2026 season and capture The Open Championship for the second time in his career after his triumph in 2014. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, hometown favourite Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and several other top stars will also be chasing glory at Royal Birkdale.
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood lead strong contenders list at Royal Birkdale
The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale with one of the strongest fields in world golf. Rory McIlroy enters the tournament among the favourites after enjoying another impressive season. The Northern Irishman has already secured one major title this year and now has the opportunity to add another Claret Jug to his collection.World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will begin the week as the defending champion after winning last year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Although Scheffler started 2026 by winning The American Express in January, he has not added another victory since then. He also heads into the tournament after missing the cut at the Scottish Open, ending an impressive streak of 78 consecutive made cuts. Even so, the American remains one of the biggest threats in the field.Tommy Fleetwood will enjoy strong support from local fans. The Southport-born golfer grew up close to Royal Birkdale and has often spoken about playing on the course during his childhood. He will be hoping to make home advantage count as he continues his search for a first major championship.Bryson DeChambeau is another player looking to change his fortunes. The American has missed the cut in each of the first three major championships this season and will hope Royal Birkdale provides the perfect stage for a turnaround. His best Open finish remains a tie for eighth place at St Andrews in 2022.The opening rounds promise several exciting featured groups. One of the standout pairings includes Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau, who tee off together on Thursday morning. Another blockbuster group features Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm, while Rory McIlroy will play alongside defending PGA champion Xander Schauffele and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick.When and where to watch the Open Championship 2026 in UK and USA? The championship officially begins on Thursday, July 16, with the opening tee time scheduled for approximately 6:35 a.m. BST. Competition will continue through Sunday, July 19, when the next Champion Golfer of the Year will lift the famous Claret Jug.Golf fans in the United Kingdom can watch complete live coverage on Sky Sports, with streaming also available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. In the United States, Peacock, USA Network and NBC will share broadcasting duties throughout the week, ensuring viewers can follow every stage of the championship.