2026 Open Championship Sets Stage at Royal Birkdale

The 2026 Open Championship arrives as the final men’s major of the year, bringing high‑stakes golf to Royal Birkdale in England. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returns to defend his Claret Jug after a strong finish last year, while a star‑studded field gathers for what promises to be another classic at this historic links. The event marks the oldest major’s continued relevance, with a record‑setting purse of $17.75 million on the line.

Who’s Competing at Royal Birkdale?

A field of 156 golfers has booked spots at this week’s contest, reflecting the global reach of the game. Top names such as Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth are among the headline attractions, along with 11 players from the LIV Golf circuit. Three qualifiers from the final Open qualifying series event and a winner of Monday’s Last‑Chance Qualifier round complete the roster.

Jordan Spieth holds particular relevance this year, having captured the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 2017, the last time the tournament visited the course. The presence of world No. 1 Scheffler adds extra intrigue, as he seeks a repeat performance after his title win in 2025. The depth of talent ensures that fans can expect close battles down the leaderboard.

When and Where to Watch The Open 2026

Thursday’s first round kicks off with the first group teeing off at 1:35 a.m. ET, followed by several notable groups throughout the day. A featured grouping at 4:58 a.m. includes Scheffler, DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton, while the 5:09 a.m. set features Rahm, Spieth and Fleetwood. Prime time action lands in the 9:53 a.m.–10:15 a.m. window, showcasing McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Television coverage is anchored by Peacock, which streams the early rounds from 1:30‑4 a.m. ET, while NBC Sports Network carries the day‑portioned sessions. Viewers on the West Coast will need to stay up late to catch the opening day, as the schedule is tailored for a global audience.

Key Odds and Prize Money

Betting markets have opened with Xander Schauffele listed at +2800, reflecting his long‑shot status among the favorites. Odds were captured as of Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET, giving fans a snapshot of early lines before the competition begins. The winner’s share sits at $3.2 million, which equates to 18 percent of the total $17.75 million purse—the largest prize fund in the championship’s history, though still the smallest of the four men’s majors.

Weather and Course Conditions

Thursday’s forecast promises clear skies with temperatures in the low 80s °F and a northeast wind blowing at 10‑15 mph. The unusually sunny and warm conditions are expected to persist throughout the week, a rarity for an Open held at a links venue. Such weather will reward players who can navigate the fast‑running fairways and firm greens at Royal Birkdale.

Future Hosting Plans

The R&A has only announced the next two venues after this year’s event. St. Andrews, Old Course in Scotland is slated for 2027, followed by Royal Lytham & St Annes in England for 2028. This limited outlook contrasts with the USGA and PGA of America, which have secured championship sites for several decades ahead.

The Open 2026 live leaderboard

Keep tabs on every score posted at Royal Birkdale with The Open Championship 2026 live leaderboard.

The Open 2026 tee times

Click here to see every tee time for the first round of the 2026 Open Championship. The first group teed off at 1:35 a.m. ET. Here are the featured groups on Thursday (all times ET):

• 4:58 a.m. – Scheffler, DeChambeau, Hatton

• 5:09 a.m. – Rahm, Spieth, Fleetwood

• 9:53 a.m. – Koepka, Lowry, Rai

• 10:15 a.m. – McIlroy, Schauffele, Fitzpatrick

The Open 2026 TV, streaming schedule

Peacock carries the early window from 1:30‑4 a.m. ET, while NBC Sports Network follows with the prime‑time coverage. Fans on the West Coast will need to stay up late to catch the opening round, as the schedule is designed for a worldwide audience. International viewers can find local broadcast partners for full coverage.

The Open 2026 odds

Pre‑tournament betting shows Xander Schauffele at +2800, reflecting a long shot from the sportsbook. These odds were recorded at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday. For a complete list of participants and lines, head to BetMGM.

The Open 2026 prize money, purse

The champion walks away with $3.2 million, which equals 18 percent of the $17.75 million total purse. This fund is the largest in the tournament’s history, yet still trails the other three men’s majors. A detailed payout breakdown is available via the linked article.

The Open weather forecast

Thursday’s outlook calls for clear skies and a high near 80 °F, with a northeast wind at 10‑15 mph. The unusually calm, sunny conditions are expected to continue through the week, a rarity for a links event. Golfers will likely face firm fairways and fast greens.

The Open 2026 field details

The entry list totals 156 golfers, blending established stars and qualifiers from the final Open qualifying series event. Three players advanced via the Genesis Scottish Open, while the final spot went to Monday’s Last‑Chance Qualifier, a 12‑for‑1 knockout round of 18 holes. Notable participants include 11 LIV Golf athletes alongside the tour’s top names.

The Open future sites

Unlike the USGA and PGA of America, the R&A has revealed only the next two venues. St. Andrews, Old Course in Scotland will host in 2027, followed by Royal Lytham & St Annes in England for 2028. This limited preview adds anticipation for the 2026 contest.

The Open past winners

Jordan Spieth’s 2017 triumph remains the most recent victory at Royal Birkdale. Earlier champions in the last decade include Francesco Molinari in 2018 and several other top golfers. The list provides context for the historic stakes of this year’s field.

The article originally appeared on Golfweek. For more updates and in‑depth analysis, visit the linked sources.