Rory McIlroy will tee off alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick at 3.15pm on Thursday as The 154th Open gets underway at Royal Birkdale.
It’s a stellar afternoon grouping for the world number two, who’s chasing his first Claret Jug since lifting the trophy back in 2014.
McIlroy, fresh from his Masters triumph earlier this year, is looking to cap off his major season with another victory.
He’ll have plenty of quality company – Schauffele claimed the title at Royal Troon two years ago, while Fitzpatrick already boasts three PGA Tour wins this season and is hoping to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Sir Nick Faldo.
Rory McIlroy will tee off alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick at 3.15pm on Thursday
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Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finds himself on the opposite side of the draw, heading out in the morning wave at 9.58am alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau.
The world number one arrives at Royal Birkdale as pre-tournament favourite despite missing the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open last week.
Scheffler is bidding to become the first player to retain the Claret Jug since Padraig Harrington managed back-to-back wins.
As for DeChambeau, the two-time US Open champion will be desperate to make the weekend – he’s failed to make the cut at every major so far this season.
Royal Birkdale member Matt Baldwin has earned the honour of striking the first shot of the championship at 6.35am on Thursday morning after coming through Final Qualifying.
Matt Fitzpatrick already has three PGA Tour wins this year and is looking for glory at The Open
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It’s a special moment for the local golfer, who’ll be joined by Belgium’s Thomas Detry and American James Nicholas in that opening group.
Southport-born Tommy Fleetwood will have home support behind him as he takes on the course alongside Jon Rahm and 2017 champion Jordan Spieth, with their group heading out at 10.09am.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre has been paired with Rickie Fowler and Alex Fitzpatrick for an early 7.19am start.
Tommy Fleetwood, who was born locally to the Royal Birkdale course, will tee off alongside Jon Rahm and 2017 champion Jordan Spieth
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Justin Rose returns to a venue that holds special memories – he finished tied-fourth here as a 17-year-old amateur back in 1998 – and he’ll play alongside Viktor Hovland and Russell Henley at 9.36am.
PGA champion Aaron Rai has been grouped with 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka for a 2.53pm start.
Joe Dean’s reward for winning the Last-Chance Qualifier is a brilliant threeball with 2016 champion Henrik Stenson and Max Homa, teeing off at 7.08am.
Players champion Cameron Young will partner US Open winner Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Åberg at 3.04pm.