The upcoming Open Championship promises an exciting start, as golf's top-ranked player, Scottie Scheffler, will be grouped with LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau and the accomplished Tyrrell Hatton for the initial round. This highly anticipated pairing at Royal Birkdale sets the stage for a compelling competition, drawing significant attention from golf enthusiasts globally.
Golf's Elite Converge at Royal Birkdale for Open Championship Opener
On Thursday, July 13th, 2026, at the prestigious Royal Birkdale course, golf fans will witness a marquee grouping for the opening round of the Open Championship. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a rare missed cut at the Scottish Open—his first since the 2022 St. Jude Championship—will be paired with LIV Golf's prominent figure, Bryson DeChambeau, and the talented Englishman, Tyrrell Hatton. This trio's tee time is scheduled for 9:58 a.m. local time (4:58 a.m. ET), setting the stage for an intriguing start to the tournament.
Scheffler, a seasoned participant in the Open Championship making his sixth appearance, previously clinched victory at Royal Portrush last year with an impressive 17-under par performance. He also boasts two other top-10 finishes in his five prior starts, securing T7 at Royal Troon in 2024 and T8 in his 2021 debut at Royal St. George's. Despite his recent setback, his career at the Open includes 11 rounds under 70 strokes across 20 total rounds.
DeChambeau, embarking on his ninth Open Championship, showed resilience last year at Portrush, overcoming a first-round 78 to finish tied for 10th. His best Open performance came in 2022 at St. Andrews, where he tied for eighth. Notably, his 2022 first-round score of 69 marks his sole instance of breaking 70 in the opening 18 holes of the event. Both Scheffler and DeChambeau have previously teamed up as partners for the United States in the Ryder Cup, adding another layer of familiarity and competitive history to their pairing.
Following this formidable trio, the course will see another strong group featuring Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm. Other notable pairings include Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy alongside two-time major winner Xander Schauffele. The full schedule for both Thursday's and Friday's opening rounds showcases a packed field of elite golfers, each vying for the coveted Claret Jug. From early morning to late afternoon, players like Henrik Stenson, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa will take to the greens, promising a captivating spectacle of professional golf.
The grouping of Scheffler, DeChambeau, and Hatton offers a fascinating blend of top talent and recent form. Scheffler's quest for redemption after his missed cut, combined with DeChambeau's ongoing journey to cement his legacy, and Hatton's consistent prowess, creates a compelling narrative for the tournament's opening. This initial pairing not only highlights individual skill but also underscores the dynamic landscape of professional golf, where players from different tours converge in pursuit of one of golf's most historic titles. It's a reminder that regardless of affiliations, the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of competition remain paramount on the grand stage of the Open Championship.
