Open Championship tees off as Scottie Scheffler begins bid for back-to-back triumph

By SABC Sport
16th July 2026

The 154th Open Championship got underway under clear skies at Royal Birkdale in Southport on Thursday, with World No 1 Scottie Scheffler beginning his bid to become the first player in 17 years to successfully defend the Claret Jug.

England's Matthew Baldwin, a member at Royal Birkdale, struck the opening shot of the championship. He teed off in the first group alongside Belgium's Thomas Detry and American James Nicholas.

Scheffler, who claimed last year's Open title at Royal Portrush with a 17-under-par total, is aiming to become the first back-to-back champion since Padraig Harrington retained the title in 2008, coincidentally at Royal Birkdale.

The American is scheduled to tee off at 9:58 a.m. local time alongside Bryson DeChambeau and England's Tyrrell Hatton.

Meanwhile, world number two Rory McIlroy will begin his challenge at 3:15 p.m. in a marquee group featuring defending champion Xander Schauffele and fellow Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick.

McIlroy is seeking a seventh major championship title and a second Open crown, having lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool in 2014.

South Africa has sent a strong contingent of eight players into the field, led by former champions Louis Oosthuizen and Ernie Els, and LIV star Branden Grace.

They are joined by the likes of Brandon Stone, Dylan Frittelli, Justin Harding, Shaun Norris, and rising talents such as Casey Jarvis, who earned his spot via the Investec South African Open.