​Rory McIlroy’s latest bid to claim The Open Championship will get underway at 15:15 BST on Thursday, with the action unfolding at Royal Birkdale. The six-time major winner, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will tee off in a high-profile group alongside No. 3 Matt Fitzpatrick and 2024 champion Xander Schauffele. Their second-round play is scheduled to begin at 10:09 on Friday, promising plenty of attention as McIlroy chases another major title at this storied course.
In the other half of the draw, world number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler will feature in a contrasting section, teeing off with fellow American Bryson DeChambeau and England’s Tyrrell Hatton on Thursday at 09:58, with their Friday tee times set for 15:04. The balance of contenders will look to capitalize on the favorable positions in the rotation, but Scheffler’s half of the draw is expected to pose a stern test as players attempt to dethrone the current top-ranked player.
Home fans will have a favorite in Tommy Fleetwood, who lines up in the group that follows. Fleetwood will partner Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm and American Jordan Spieth, who claimed The Open title the last time the championship was staged at Royal Birkdale in 2017. The trio represents a potent mix of experience and recent form, with Fleetwood eager to replicate that momentum on home soil and Rahm and Spieth aiming to add another major to their silverware.
Former Open champion Justin Rose remains a key figure in the field. Rose, who first burst onto the scene by finishing fourth as a 17-year-old amateur at Royal Birkdale in 1998, is scheduled to begin his round one at 09:36 and complete round two at 14:42. Rose’s presence brings narrative weight and vast course knowledge to the challenge at Royal Birkdale, a link to the Open’s rich history at this legendary venue.
As the tournament unfolds, fans will be able to follow the full schedule of tee-times as provided by the organizers, with detailed rounds and pairings updated to reflect any changes due to weather or course conditions. Stay tuned for the latest updates, including live scores, paired groups, and round-by-round progress as the world’s best golfers navigate the tricky greens, bunkers, and lakes that Royal Birkdale presents.
This Open Championship promises to deliver dramatic moments across all stages of the competition, from early morning starts to late-afternoon finishes. The combination of elite talent, favorable weather windows, and the storied pedigree of Royal Birkdale ensures that every shot will be scrutinized by fans around the world, and every round will bring new contenders to the fore. Whether it’s McIlroy seeking redemption, Scheffler aiming to defend, or Fleetwood and Rahm chasing glory on home soil, the championship will be a showcase of golfing excellence, grit, and strategic genius as the field makes its push toward the coveted Claret Jug. Tee-times will appear here, with updates and analyses continually available for those following The Open at Royal Birkdale.