The 2026 Open Championship will begin on Thursday, July 16, at Royal Birkdale with approximately 154 to 156 players competing for the Claret Jug [1, 2, 3].
The first round tee times were released on Monday, July 13, featuring a start as early as 1:35 a.m. ET with groups including Matthew Baldwin, Thomas Detry, and James Nicholas [2]. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who is also world number one, tees off at 09:58 BST (4:58 a.m. ET) alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton [1, 2, 3].
Rory McIlroy is scheduled to tee off at 15:15 BST (10:15 a.m. ET) on Thursday, paired with Matt Fitzpatrick and 2024 winner Xander Schauffele [1, 2, 3]. Home favorite Tommy Fleetwood will play with Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth, teeing off at 15:04 BST (10:04 a.m. ET) [1, 2, 3].
Justin Rose is set for an early tee time at 09:36 BST (4:36 a.m. ET) in the first round [1, 3].
Round two will take place the following day, Friday, July 17, with Rory McIlroy’s group starting at 10:09 BST [1].
The full schedule sets the stage for a competitive championship spread over two days of initial play at Royal Birkdale.
