Rory McIlroy has discovered his tee times for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, with a late start on Thursday. The world number two will tee off at 3.15pm alongside 2024 champion Xander Schauffele and Ryder Cup teammate Matt Fitzpatrick in the marquee afternoon grouping.
McIlroy's Open Campaign Begins Late
McIlroy faces a wait to begin his campaign, as he will have seen how defending champion Scottie Scheffler performed earlier. Scheffler tees off at 9.58am with Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton. Scheffler is attempting to become the first player to retain the Claret Jug since Padraig Harrington at the same course in 2008.
Immediately behind them, at 10.09am, will be Southport-born Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth – the last winner of a Birkdale Open – and two-time major winner Jon Rahm. McIlroy and his playing partners have an earlier start on Friday at 10.09am.
McIlroy's Recent Form
McIlroy is looking to get his hands on another major after retaining his Masters crown in April. Since then, the Northern Irishman was joint-seventh at the US PGA Championship before finishing in a tie for 32nd at the US Open. His recent Open Championship performances have been encouraging, with the 2014 winner securing top-seven finishes in three of his last four starts.
Scheffler, meanwhile, isn't in tip-top form after missing his first cut in four years at the recent Scottish Open. He will face competition from McIlroy and others as he aims to defend his title.
Louis Oosthuizen Withdraws Due to Injury
Louis Oosthuizen, who stormed to Open Championship glory at St Andrews in 2010, has withdrawn from this year's event owing to injury. The 43-year-old, who competes on the LIV Golf circuit, has been battling a back complaint but had been hopeful of featuring at Birkdale. However, having failed to make the recovery he had anticipated, the South African has been compelled to pull out.
Oosthuizen posted on social media: "Not the update I was hoping to share. Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I've had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from both The Open and LIV Golf's JCB event [in Staffordshire]. It's incredibly disappointing to miss two events I always look forward to, but my priority now is to focus on my recovery and make sure I'm fully fit before returning to competition."
