Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler open at The Open amid notable pairings

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 2:22 PM

Last updated Jul 13, 2026

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler open at The Open amid notable pairings

Summary

Rory McIlroy is set to tee off at 3:15 PM on Thursday at Royal Birkdale for the opening round of The 154th Open. He will compete alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will start earlier at 9:58 AM with Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau. Scheffler aims to become the first player since Padraig Harrington to win back-to-back titles. Fitzpatrick seeks to add another victory to his three wins this season and become the first English Open winner since Sir Nick Faldo. The event will air live from Thursday morning on Sky Sports Golf.

Source Links

Sky Sports

Key Details

•McIlroy tees off at 3:15 PM among top players.
•Scheffler begins his title defense at 9:58 AM.
•Fitzpatrick has three PGA Tour wins this season.
•DeChambeau seeks to avoid missing another major cut.
•Matt Baldwin hits the first tee shot at 6:35 AM.

What they're saying

"
Rory McIlroy has been grouped alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick for the first two rounds of The 154th Open, with Scottie Scheffler on the opposite side of the draw at Royal Birkdale.
— Sky Sports

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