The 2026 Open Championship Set for Royal Birkdale

July 16‑19 will see the historic claret jug contested at England’s seaside venue, Royal Birkdale. Scottie Scheffler enters as the defending champion, chasing a second consecutive triumph in the year’s fourth major in England. A deep field of contenders, including Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai and Wyndham Clark, are primed to challenge his reign.

McIlroy aims to secure his second major of 2026 after a memorable repeat victory at Augusta, while Scheffler hopes to become only the second player to win consecutive Opens in the modern era. Rai and Clark, fresh from winning the PGA Championship at Aronimink and the U.S. Open at Shinnecock, bring their own momentum to the leaderboard.

The buildup has intensified as players prepare for the crowded field at Royal Birkdale, where the past three Opens have produced dramatic finishes. Golf Channel will be on‑site with “Live From” coverage beginning Monday, July 13, delivering real‑time coverage, expert analysis and player interviews throughout the week.

Coverage Schedule Overview

Golf Channel’s broadcast lineup is designed to keep fans plugged in from the first tee to the final putt. Early morning and afternoon blocks ensure that every round can be followed on the network most convenient to each viewer.

• Monday, July 13 – 9 AM to 2 PM: Live From The Open.
• Tuesday, July 14 – 8 AM to 1 PM: Live From The Open.
• Wednesday, July 15 – 8 AM to 1 PM: Live From The Open.
• Thursday, July 16 – 1:30 AM to 4 AM (Peacock) & 4 AM to 3:30 PM (USA Sports/GC mobile) – Round 1; 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Live From The Open.
• Friday, July 17 – 1:30 AM to 4 AM (Peacock) & 4 AM to 3:30 PM (USA Sports/GC mobile) – Round 2; 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Live From The Open.
• Saturday, July 18 – 5 AM to 7 AM (USA Sports/GC mobile) & 7 AM to 3 PM (NBC/Peacock) – Round 3; 3 PM to 5 PM: Live From The Open.
• Sunday, July 19 – 4 AM to 7 AM (USA Sports/GC mobile) & 7 AM to 2 PM (NBC/Peacock) – Final round; 2 PM to 4 PM: Live From The Open.

Viewers can access the full schedule via GolfChannel.com and the Golf Channel mobile app, ensuring flexibility for international audiences eager to catch every moment of the week’s play.

Beyond the broadcast details, the event marks a return to a course that has hosted 13 previous Opens, adding a layer of strategic complexity for the world’s elite golfers. As the field gathers, the narrative centers on whether Scheffler can repeat his historic back‑to‑back victory or if McIlroy will finally capture the claret jug after a near‑miss in recent years.

Whether you’re tracking the leaderboards, reviewing player form or simply enjoying the drama of the Open, Golf Channel’s on‑site coverage will keep you connected. Stay tuned for comprehensive analysis, exclusive interviews and updates that highlight the stories unfolding at Royal Birkdale throughout the championship.

Rory McIlroy, The Open Round 3

Open Championship 2026: Full field and how players qualified for Royal Birkdale

Here’s a look at the full field for those who have qualified to compete at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.