The 2026 British Open is underway at Royal Birkdale, with an early start and a packed tee sheet. The first threesome teed off at 6:35 a.m. local time, and the excitement is palpable. Among the early starters, Scottie Scheffler is making waves with a strong performance. He's made the turn in 31 (3-under), showcasing his efficiency with the putter and off the tee. This is a familiar sight for Scheffler, who often dominates from the start when he's in the lead.
The course is presenting a unique challenge, with the firmness of the greens and the lack of wind creating ideal scoring conditions. Some early scores are already in, with Robert MacIntyre and Henrik Stenson both shooting 3-under 67. The expectation is that a 6- or 7-under score will be achieved by someone today, despite the course's tricky nature.
Matthew Baldwin, a local member at Royal Birkdale, provided an insightful perspective on the course. He noted that it's drier and faster than usual, with thinner rough due to the recent dry period. However, he also mentioned that the course plays wider, and he was surprised by the speed of the greens. Baldwin's experience highlights the unique characteristics of the course that players will need to navigate.
The defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, is off to a flying start with four birdies in his first six holes. This performance comes after rumors of his demise following a missed cut last week. The early holes at Birkdale offer a warm welcome, but the course is known to sharpen up as the routing progresses. Players are expected to start strong before facing the harsh and thrilling test that lies ahead.
The marquee groups, including Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler, are already attracting large crowds. The local heroes and their caddies are generating excitement, and the anticipation is high for their performances. The tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the potential for feel-good stories and the emergence of new stars.
As the day progresses, the energy at the media center builds, and the focus shifts to the marquee groups and their performances. The tee times for the day are carefully curated to provide a diverse range of players and storylines. The tournament is set to be a captivating event, with the potential for surprises and the emergence of new champions.
