The Open Championship, golf's oldest tournament, returns for its 154th edition at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. First played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, the competition brings together the sport's elite vying for the Claret Jug.
Rory McIlroy's Quest for a Second Open Title
Rory McIlroy, aged 37, aims to win his second Open Championship after his 2014 victory at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake. Since then, he completed a career grand slam by winning the Masters at Augusta in 2024, defeating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff. He successfully defended his Masters title in 2025, becoming the fourth man in history to do so. McIlroy's 2025 Masters victory ended a nine-year major drought, and he followed it by helping Team Europe win the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, 15-13, securing Europe's first away victory since 2012.
How to Watch The Open 2026
TV channel: All four rounds of The Open are broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 6:30am BST each day.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can stream the action live via the Sky Go app or website, or through Now TV.
Free highlights: BBC Sport airs nightly highlights. Round one's round-up airs at 9pm BST on BBC Two.
