The Open Tee Times 2026: Full Schedule and How to Watch

The 2026 Open Championship gets underway Thursday, July 14, at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. For fans tracking the open tee times for 2026, the first two rounds feature several loaded groups that will draw attention from the opening tee shot.

Key Groups and Storylines

According to the BBC, the first- and second-round tee times place Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose in notable groupings at Royal Birkdale. Fox News also reports that Scheffler and McIlroy are in loaded groups, setting up early-round drama.

Jordan Spieth arrives looking to find his major form again, as noted by Golfweek. Spieth and Rose were named honorary members at Royal Birkdale, adding a sentimental layer to the week. Rose, making his 24th Open appearance, called it 'an amazing achievement.'

Tommy Fleetwood's homecoming is being framed as 'the biggest event of his life,' per GOLF.com. The Englishman has never won a major, and the pressure — and support — will be intense.

Course Conditions

Golfers face a 'new look' Royal Birkdale this week. The R&A, echoing the USGA, says distance solutions are being re-examined, which could influence how the course plays. The layout has been described as 'burnt out' by some observers, which may favor certain playing styles.

How to Watch

In the US, coverage is available across NBC, Golf Channel, and Peacock. UK viewers can tune in via BBC and Sky Sports. For those looking to stream, the NY Post notes that free livestream options exist, though exact channel schedules vary by day.

Fans searching for open tee times should check official R&A channels and major sports networks for the most up-to-date groupings, as the World Cup may impact tee times — a topic addressed in the R&A press conference.

Notable Milestones

It has been 57 years since an Englishman won the Open in England. With Rose, Fleetwood, and Matt Fitzpatrick in the field, that drought could end this week. Fitzpatrick has been vocal about gambling's impact on golf, calling it a 'problem' during his press conference.

Expert picks and sleeper selections are available from multiple outlets, and betting odds are live. The field is deep, but the storylines at Royal Birkdale make this one of the most anticipated Opens in recent memory.