The Open Championship 2023 Tee Times at Royal Birkdale

Early Morning Starts Set the Tone

Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and local hero Tommy Fleetwood are part of the first wave that teed off at 1:35 a.m. ET, marking the opening scramble on Thursday. Their early tee times underscore the importance of a strong start on the historic links course, where conditions can shift quickly. Fans across Europe and the United States can follow the early action as the morning unfolds.

The final group, scheduled for 11:21 a.m. ET, will close the opening round, offering a dramatic finish after the early morning battles. This late slot often provides a clearer picture of how the course will play later in the day.

Key Groups and Notable Players

A series of star‑filled threesomes headline the schedule. Robert MacIntyre partners Rickie Fowler and Alex Fitzpatrick at 2:19 a.m., while Russell Henley, Justin Rose and Viktor Hovland follow at 4:36 a.m. The 4:47 a.m. group features Justin Thomas, Alex Noren and Jason Day.

Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau share the 4:58 a.m. tee time, and Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm tee off at 5:09 a.m. Mid‑day action picks up with Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns and Adam Scott at 9:31 a.m., followed by Collin Morikawa, JJ Spaun and Nicolai Hojgaard at 9:42 a.m. Shane Lowry, Aaron Rai and Brooks Koepka take the 9:53 a.m. slot, while Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Aberg are set for 10:04 a.m. Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick complete the early field at 10:15 a.m.

What to Watch for Thursday

Royal Birkdale’s rugged fairways and deep bunkers will be tested from the first tee. Early starters often set the tempo, and those in later groups can adjust to how the wind and grass conditions evolve. Understanding these dynamics can help fans gauge who might contend for low scores.

As the final major of the season, every stroke carries added weight, with golfers aiming to finish the year on a high note. The Open’s rich history adds extra intrigue to this week’s competition at the iconic venue.