GOLF: Scheffler ready for title defense as 154th Open gets underway

England's Matthew Baldwin, a Royal Birkdale member, hit the opening shot of the championship. He was paired with Belgium's Thomas Detry and American James Nicholas in the first group.

REUTERS

July 16, 2026

GOLF: Scheffler ready for title defense as 154th Open gets underway

Scottie Scheffler of the United States practices ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Britain, on July 15, 2026.

Andrew Boyers / Reuters

England's Matthew Baldwin, a Royal Birkdale member, hit the opening shot of the championship. He was paired with Belgium's Thomas Detry and American James Nicholas in the first group.

World No. 1 Scheffler, who captured last year's British Open title at Royal Portrush with a 17-under-par finish, is seeking to become the first player since Padraig Harrington to successfully defend the Claret Jug. Harrington won consecutive Open titles in 2007 and 2008, with his second victory coming at Royal Birkdale.

Scheffler is scheduled to tee off at 9:58 a.m. local time alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton.

Meanwhile, World No. 2 Rory McIlroy will begin his campaign at 3:15 p.m. local time, playing with 2024 champion Xander Schauffele and England's Matt Fitzpatrick.

McIlroy is chasing his seventh major championship title and his second British Open crown. His only Open victory came at Royal Liverpool in 2014. -Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters