Royal Birkdale welcomes 156 golfers, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler, as the 154th Open Championship begins with a redesigned course.
The 154th Open Championship officially teed off on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the iconic Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, marking the start of one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
The championship will run through Sunday, July 19, with 156 golfers competing for the coveted Claret Jug. Among the field is defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who returns looking to successfully defend his title against many of the world’s top-ranked players.
Royal Birkdale is hosting The Open Championship for the 11th time, but competitors will face a noticeably different challenge this year. Tournament organizers have introduced modifications to every hole on the historic links course, creating fresh strategic tests for both returning veterans and first-time participants.
The redesigned layout is expected to reward accuracy, course management, and adaptability as players navigate changing conditions along England’s northwest coast.
Fans can follow every shot of the tournament through extensive television and streaming coverage. Peacock is providing daily live streaming of the championship, while Golf Channel will air daily highlights and analysis. Additional live coverage is available on NBC, USA Network, and NBCSN, ensuring viewers can watch the action throughout all four rounds.
Attention will now shift to the opening rounds as golf’s elite compete for a place atop the leaderboard, with Round 2 tee times expected to shape the battle for the weekend and determine who remains in contention for one of the sport’s oldest and most prestigious titles.
