Rory McIlroy tees off at The Open 2026 with Masters momentum in tow

Rory McIlroy starts his Open Championship 2026 defense at Royal Birkdale today, teeing off at 3:15pm BST alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick.

When does Rory McIlroy tee off in Round 1?

McIlroy’s first-round tee time is set for 3:15pm BST on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He joins Schauffele and Fitzpatrick in the marquee afternoon group at the 154th Open. The opening group fired up at 6:35am BST, with play running through the afternoon and into the evening under British skies.

What’s at stake for Rory McIlroy?

McIlroy arrives with momentum after winning back-to-back Masters titles in 2025 and 2026. That run completed his career grand slam and snapped a nine-year major drought he once called a “burden.” His last Open victory came in 2014 at Royal Liverpool, his only claret jug from the championship. A win at Royal Birkdale would make him the first man in 62 years to claim the Masters and Open in the same season since Arnold Palmer in 1962.

How has McIlroy fared at The Open?

McIlroy has played The Open 13 times, with his best finish tied for fifth in 2019 at Royal Portrush. His lone triumph came in 2014 at Hoylake, where he became the third player ever to win three different majors by age 25. That victory also marked his second PGA Championship title that year, capping a dominant stretch before the decade-long major lull.

Where and when is The Open 2026 played?

The Open moves to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017, returning to Southport after last year’s edition at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Play runs July 16-20, 2026, with full UK coverage on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event starting at 6:30am BST each day. Tee times span from 6:35am to 3:15pm, bookended by early starters like Matt Baldwin and late contenders like McIlroy’s group.