Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale as Scheffler and McIlroy lead field

The 154th Open Championship is currently underway at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, marking the tournament’s return to the venue for the first time in nine years. The oldest golf tournament in the world will award the Claret Jug on site on Sunday for the 11th time at this historic course.

Reigning Champion Golfer of the Year Scottie Scheffler enters the field as a primary contender. However, reports indicate that the world number one has been more of a runner-up than a champion in 2026, unable to replicate the consistency of previous years despite maintaining high-level performance.

Rory McIlroy is considered a strong contender following his performance at the Scottish Open. McIlroy’s recent form has positioned him as a serious threat to supplant Scheffler as the favourite for the title.

The tournament also presents a significant opportunity for English players, as no Englishman has been named Champion Golfer of the Year since Nick Faldo in 1992. Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose are cited as key figures looking to change that record during this week’s competition.

Coverage of the event is provided by CBS Sports, with live streaming available on Peacock and television coverage on USA Network and NBC. Round 2 tee-offs begin at 1:30 a.m., with extensive broadcast windows scheduled throughout the day across Peacock, USA Network, and NBC.

The golf tournament faces a potential scheduling conflict with the England national soccer team’s World Cup semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday. This clash of major sporting events may draw attention away from the golf coverage over the weekend.

Viewers can access a detailed viewing guide for the weekend rounds, including specific start times for tee-offs and broadcast slots. The tournament continues through Sunday, with the final round concluding the 2026 golf season’s final major.