British Open Championship 2025: All the Details You Need

Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy head into Royal Birkdale as the clear favorites. Scheffler, fresh off ending a long cut‑streak at The Renaissance Club, will try to keep his 2025 major title. McIlroy, coming off a top‑10 at the Scottish Open, hasn’t lifted the Claret Jug since 2014.

Where is the British Open?

The tournament is staged at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Merseyside, roughly 17 miles north of Liverpool. This is the third time the venue hosts the event in the 21st century, after 2017 when Jordan Spieth triumphed.

When does it start?

Play kicks off on Thursday, July 16. The entire field will play three rounds over the following three days.

First round tee times

Exact tee times have yet to be released, but they are typically announced a week before the opening round. Fans can expect the first group to tee off early in the morning.

Next venues in the rotation

The British Open has already locked in its next two host courses. In 2027 the event returns to the storied Old Course at St. Andrews, followed by Royal Lytham & St. Annes in 2028. The rotation also includes Royal Portrush, Royal Troon, Royal St. George’s, Muirfield, Carnoustie and Royal Liverpool.

Who won last year?

Scottie Scheffler captured his first British Open at Royal Portrush in 2025. He finished 17 under par, beating Harris English by four shots to secure his fourth major title and second of the season.

Recent champions (last 10 years)

• 2025 – Scottie Scheffler
• 2024 – Xander Schauffele
• 2023 – Brian Harman
• 2022 – Cameron Smith
• 2021 – Collin Morikawa
• 2020 – N/A
• 2019 – Shane Lowry
• 2018 – Francesco Molinari
• 2017 – Jordan Spieth
• 2016 – Henrik Stenson
• 2015 – Zach Johnson

Odds and favorites

According to BetMGM, Scheffler sits at +750, while McIlroy is +800. The third‑favorite is Matt Fitzpatrick at +1800, followed by Tommy Fleetwood (+1800), Jon Rahm (+2200) and Xander Schauffele (+2500).

How to watch

The British Open streams on Peacock and airs on NBC and USA Network. All times are ET: Thursday & Friday – Peacock 1:30‑4 am, USA 4 am‑3:30 pm; Saturday – USA 5‑7 am, NBC/Peacock 7 am‑3 pm; Sunday – USA 4‑7 am, NBC/Peacock 7 am‑2 pm.

The Claret Jug

The trophy stands about 20 inches tall, weighs under six pounds and is crafted from 92.5 % sterling silver. Engraved at the base, it’s considered one of the most prestigious prizes in sport.

Introduced in 1872, only 28 players have held the original jug. Since 1928 a replica has been presented each year, returning to the R&A after a 12‑month tour before the winner receives a permanent keepsake.

What is the R&A?

The R&A, short for The Royal and Ancient, evolved from the club at St. Andrews and became an independent governing body in 2004. Alongside the USGA, it runs golf worldwide except in the United States and Mexico, and it organizes The Open each year.

British Open vs. The Open

In the U.S. the event is commonly called the British Open to avoid confusion with the U.S. Open. Internationally the R&A prefers “The Open,” a name that dates back to 1860—35 years before the first U.S. Open.