2 days ago
LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England — Their journeys to professional golf couldn't have been more contrasting. Lydia Ko was a child prodigy; Ryan Fox was a late bloomer who didn't turn pro until age 25. Ko rose to fame when, at 14, she became the youngest winner of a tour event and, at 18, became the youngest major winner. Fox was 39 when he won his first major at the British Open two weeks ago.
But they are united by their homeland of New Zealand and by shared experiences in team rooms. Those moments began with pranks at the 2010 World Amateur Teams Championships. These days, the New Zealand bonding sessions play out on a far bigger stage—at the past three Olympic games.
"We went to World Team Ams when I was 14," Ko recalled on Wednesday at the AIG Women's British Open at Royal Lytham. "I don't know if I'm allowed to say it, but he may or may not have tricked me to think my ***** e glass was—I thought it was my ***** e glass—but it was red wine. He's always been the same."
Which is why, two weeks ago, Ko was in tears watching from the U.S. as Fox took the British Open by the scruff of the neck with weekend rounds of 62-68 at Royal Birkdale. Fox stole the claret jug from clubhouse leader Cameron Young with three-under performance in his final six holes, including a walk-off birdie on the 72nd to win by one.
"I was on the West Coast in the U.S. so there was quite a bit of time difference," Ko said Wednesday. "I went to go work out and everywhere I went I was like, 'Please turn on the Open.' It ended up not working on the TV, so I had my trainer turn it on my cell phone and I [also] had it on my cell phone. I can't remember my work out at all."
#british
But they are united by their homeland of New Zealand and by shared experiences in team rooms. Those moments began with pranks at the 2010 World Amateur Teams Championships. These days, the New Zealand bonding sessions play out on a far bigger stage—at the past three Olympic games.
"We went to World Team Ams when I was 14," Ko recalled on Wednesday at the AIG Women's British Open at Royal Lytham. "I don't know if I'm allowed to say it, but he may or may not have tricked me to think my ***** e glass was—I thought it was my ***** e glass—but it was red wine. He's always been the same."
Which is why, two weeks ago, Ko was in tears watching from the U.S. as Fox took the British Open by the scruff of the neck with weekend rounds of 62-68 at Royal Birkdale. Fox stole the claret jug from clubhouse leader Cameron Young with three-under performance in his final six holes, including a walk-off birdie on the 72nd to win by one.
"I was on the West Coast in the U.S. so there was quite a bit of time difference," Ko said Wednesday. "I went to go work out and everywhere I went I was like, 'Please turn on the Open.' It ended up not working on the TV, so I had my trainer turn it on my cell phone and I [also] had it on my cell phone. I can't remember my work out at all."
#british
7 days ago
Bryson DeChambeau bounced back well from the controversy he caused at The Open Championship last week with a round of 64 on day one at LIV Golf UK.
DeChambeau was right in the mix to win The Open after he made a birdie on his final hole of the day on Friday to put him one shot adrift of the leader, Lucas Herbert.
However, within minutes of leaving the 18th green at Royal Birkdale, he was informed that he had broken rule 8.1a on the fifth hole.
Bryson DeChambeau was penalized two strokes by Open officials after he was deemed to have improved the playing area around his ball in the rough during his second round.
And what followed was utter chaos. DeChambeau headed back out onto the golf course with Open officials to fight his case.
#dechambeau #bryson #round
DeChambeau was right in the mix to win The Open after he made a birdie on his final hole of the day on Friday to put him one shot adrift of the leader, Lucas Herbert.
However, within minutes of leaving the 18th green at Royal Birkdale, he was informed that he had broken rule 8.1a on the fifth hole.
Bryson DeChambeau was penalized two strokes by Open officials after he was deemed to have improved the playing area around his ball in the rough during his second round.
And what followed was utter chaos. DeChambeau headed back out onto the golf course with Open officials to fight his case.
#dechambeau #bryson #round
7 days ago
Bryson DeChambeau has said he is “moving past” the controversial two-shot penalty that hampered his bid for The Open at Royal Birkdale.
DeChambeau was docked two shots after his second round in Southport having been deemed by officials to have improved the area of his backswing by standing on and flattening grass as he played a shot out of the rough on the fifth hole.
The 32-year-old has since been accused of attempting to involve Donald Trump in the rules dispute, and eventually faded from contention to finish in a tie for 14th at the year’s final men’s major.
DeChambeau had missed the cut in the first three majors of the year and was left to rue what might have been having originally been just one shot off the halfway lead of Lucas Herbert before the penalty.
But while still believing he was in the right, and should not have been penalised, an honest DeChambeau admitted that he was able to move on from the incident.
#year #birkdale
DeChambeau was docked two shots after his second round in Southport having been deemed by officials to have improved the area of his backswing by standing on and flattening grass as he played a shot out of the rough on the fifth hole.
The 32-year-old has since been accused of attempting to involve Donald Trump in the rules dispute, and eventually faded from contention to finish in a tie for 14th at the year’s final men’s major.
DeChambeau had missed the cut in the first three majors of the year and was left to rue what might have been having originally been just one shot off the halfway lead of Lucas Herbert before the penalty.
But while still believing he was in the right, and should not have been penalised, an honest DeChambeau admitted that he was able to move on from the incident.
#year #birkdale
7 days ago
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Ryan Fox arrived back in New Zealand on Friday after carrying the British Open championship -winner's claret jug from one side of the world to the other, hankering for some sleep and a gourmet pie.
Fox was embraced at Auckland airport by his father, former All Blacks rugby player Grant Fox, as he arrived with his wife Anneke and two children. Fox birdied the final hole at Royal Birkdale last Sunday for his first major win.
"It's good to be back," he said.
A few hours later, media found the 39-year-old Fox at his local bakery, enjoying his favorite steak, bacon, jam and cheese pie. He hopes in coming days to able to show off his trophy to New Zealand, to get in some fishing and maybe a round of golf.
But first, sleep. Fox has had a hectic schedule of travel and interviews since his win.
#arrived #wellington #Friday
Fox was embraced at Auckland airport by his father, former All Blacks rugby player Grant Fox, as he arrived with his wife Anneke and two children. Fox birdied the final hole at Royal Birkdale last Sunday for his first major win.
"It's good to be back," he said.
A few hours later, media found the 39-year-old Fox at his local bakery, enjoying his favorite steak, bacon, jam and cheese pie. He hopes in coming days to able to show off his trophy to New Zealand, to get in some fishing and maybe a round of golf.
But first, sleep. Fox has had a hectic schedule of travel and interviews since his win.
#arrived #wellington #Friday
9 days ago
BLAINE, MINNESOTA - JULY 27: Kurt Kitayama of the United States poses with the Elemental Swing trophy after putting in to win on the 18th green during the final round of the 3M Open 2025 at TPC Twin Cities on July 27, 2025 in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The golf world is coming off the final major of the season, the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club last weekend. The dramatic finish, which ended in Ryan Fox claiming victory, has left the next few tournaments on the schedule in the wake of such an important tournament.
Typically, the top players in the game take the week off after a major, unless it is a signature event. However, with the PGA Tour having already completed their eight signature events this year, tournaments that remain between the Open Championship and the FedEx Cup Playoffs remain ones which are filled with players trying to improve their status.
When you look at a tournament such as the 3M Open, it usually lacks the firepower of other tournaments which players have the option of playing; however, this year the 3M open got a boost when the world's top golfer, Scottie Scheffler, entered the field.
Why Scheffler is choosing to play in what most considered a bottom tier event is anyone's guess, but it does provide some star power to the field.
#open #tournaments
The golf world is coming off the final major of the season, the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club last weekend. The dramatic finish, which ended in Ryan Fox claiming victory, has left the next few tournaments on the schedule in the wake of such an important tournament.
Typically, the top players in the game take the week off after a major, unless it is a signature event. However, with the PGA Tour having already completed their eight signature events this year, tournaments that remain between the Open Championship and the FedEx Cup Playoffs remain ones which are filled with players trying to improve their status.
When you look at a tournament such as the 3M Open, it usually lacks the firepower of other tournaments which players have the option of playing; however, this year the 3M open got a boost when the world's top golfer, Scottie Scheffler, entered the field.
Why Scheffler is choosing to play in what most considered a bottom tier event is anyone's guess, but it does provide some star power to the field.
#open #tournaments
9 days ago
BLAINE, Minn. – Scottie Scheffler is taking a page out of the Bill Belichick playbook. He's moving on to the 3M Open, jet lag be ***** ed.
"I made it to my alarm this morning. Yesterday I was up at like 3:45," he said on Wednesday during his pre-tournament press conference. "Today I woke up for my 4:15 alarm, so that was definitely better."
After finishing T-4 at the British Open at Royal Birkdale, Scheffler isn't wasting any time reflecting on what could've been.
"No, I definitely haven't done that already. During the year, I just get pretty into the competition. So like with the cadence of the schedule, it really is kind of one week to the next. I always do my best to kind of live in the present, so I wouldn't say I reflect a whole lot," he said. "Right now, this week, we're in Minnesota and I spent the last day and a half kind of getting ready for this tournament."
Scheffler said he thinks this is his first trip to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and certainly his first time teeing it up at the 3M Open. It's a big deal for a tournament in its eighth season on the PGA Tour that has struggled to attract the top players in its usual date following the end of the major season but before the FedEx Cup playoffs heat up.
#tournament #alarm #definitely
"I made it to my alarm this morning. Yesterday I was up at like 3:45," he said on Wednesday during his pre-tournament press conference. "Today I woke up for my 4:15 alarm, so that was definitely better."
After finishing T-4 at the British Open at Royal Birkdale, Scheffler isn't wasting any time reflecting on what could've been.
"No, I definitely haven't done that already. During the year, I just get pretty into the competition. So like with the cadence of the schedule, it really is kind of one week to the next. I always do my best to kind of live in the present, so I wouldn't say I reflect a whole lot," he said. "Right now, this week, we're in Minnesota and I spent the last day and a half kind of getting ready for this tournament."
Scheffler said he thinks this is his first trip to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and certainly his first time teeing it up at the 3M Open. It's a big deal for a tournament in its eighth season on the PGA Tour that has struggled to attract the top players in its usual date following the end of the major season but before the FedEx Cup playoffs heat up.
#tournament #alarm #definitely
9 days ago
The Open Championship has always served as a golf fashion runway for the second half of the year. While the leaderboard told one story, the fairways of Royal Birkdale offered an early look at the trends that will shape golf style through the rest of the season and well into the fall. Relaxed tailoring continued to gain traction, heritage footwear had another defining moment, and rich seasonal colors started elbowing the summer palette out of the way. From trendy trousers to the latest footwear collab and a brand delivering one of the strongest apparel weeks of the year, here are the biggest fashion stories from the week at the Open Championship.
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#royal #birkdale #trends
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#royal #birkdale #trends
10 days ago
The PGA Tour arrives back stateside in Minnesota where the 3M Open will be played at TPC Twin Cities this week for $8.8 million in prize money.
Kurt Kitayama is the reigning champ and Scottie Scheffler is the field headliner. Young stars Jackson Koivun, Ben James and Gordon Sargent are all playing, too, coming in with strong results this summer.
For Scheffler, the world No. 1 is looking to win for the first time since January and for the second time on Tour this year. Statistically, it's been an impeccable year for Scheffler. In the winner's circle? ***** ody on the planet would complain about a season with 10 top-5 finishes (ties included) but Scheffler may be the exception to that rule.
Let's take a look at how big of a favorite oddsmakers make Scheffler coming off a T-4 at Royal Birkdale a few days ago.
Scottie Scheffler (+265)
#time #open
Kurt Kitayama is the reigning champ and Scottie Scheffler is the field headliner. Young stars Jackson Koivun, Ben James and Gordon Sargent are all playing, too, coming in with strong results this summer.
For Scheffler, the world No. 1 is looking to win for the first time since January and for the second time on Tour this year. Statistically, it's been an impeccable year for Scheffler. In the winner's circle? ***** ody on the planet would complain about a season with 10 top-5 finishes (ties included) but Scheffler may be the exception to that rule.
Let's take a look at how big of a favorite oddsmakers make Scheffler coming off a T-4 at Royal Birkdale a few days ago.
Scottie Scheffler (+265)
#time #open
16 days ago
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 20: Scottie Scheffler of the United States celebrates victory on 18th green with the Claret Jug on Day Four of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 20, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Alex Pantling/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
The Open Championship is the final opportunity of professional golf to claim a major victory this calendar year. After a season full of surprises and excitement at majors, Royal Birkdale will host the event with all the world's best golfers descending on this ancient course to try and lift the Claret Jug.
Major tournaments are still one of the few events on the schedule which have all the best golfers, regardless of tour, being in the same field. It's a star studded event, and one all golf fans will be watching.
Let's take a look at the details of the upcoming Open Championship:
Dates: July 16-19
The Open Championship is the final opportunity of professional golf to claim a major victory this calendar year. After a season full of surprises and excitement at majors, Royal Birkdale will host the event with all the world's best golfers descending on this ancient course to try and lift the Claret Jug.
Major tournaments are still one of the few events on the schedule which have all the best golfers, regardless of tour, being in the same field. It's a star studded event, and one all golf fans will be watching.
Let's take a look at the details of the upcoming Open Championship:
Dates: July 16-19
16 days ago
Jul. 15—➜ — when it was released Tuesday.
➜ . The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Williams landed on the watch list after throwing for 2,846 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 847 yards and 18 scores last season.
➜ . Illinois has never lost to an FCS program in its history and is 4-0 all-time against the Salukis, with the last game between the two schools producing a 42-34 win by Illinois in 2013.
on-base plus slugging percentage former Illini and Kansas City Royals second baseman has at the All-Star break. The 28-year-old Massey has a .260 average with seven home runs and 31 RBI in 77 games this season for the Royals, who are struggling with a 38-59 record before they begin play again on Friday night by hosting the San Diego Padres.
➜ . Former Illini gets his first round started in the first group on Thursday, teeing off with Matthew Baldwin and James Nicholas at 12:35 a.m. at Royal Birkdale in England for the final major this year.
➜ . The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Williams landed on the watch list after throwing for 2,846 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 847 yards and 18 scores last season.
➜ . Illinois has never lost to an FCS program in its history and is 4-0 all-time against the Salukis, with the last game between the two schools producing a 42-34 win by Illinois in 2013.
on-base plus slugging percentage former Illini and Kansas City Royals second baseman has at the All-Star break. The 28-year-old Massey has a .260 average with seven home runs and 31 RBI in 77 games this season for the Royals, who are struggling with a 38-59 record before they begin play again on Friday night by hosting the San Diego Padres.
➜ . Former Illini gets his first round started in the first group on Thursday, teeing off with Matthew Baldwin and James Nicholas at 12:35 a.m. at Royal Birkdale in England for the final major this year.
16 days ago
Chief executive Mark Darbon says the R&A is "getting pretty close" to staging an Open Championship at Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin.
The R&A - the governing body which organises and runs the Open - first revealed the possibility of Portmarnock hosting golf's oldest championship in 2023, with the Irish government announcing its support of up to 40 million euro (£34m) in 2024.
Portmarnock, which has previously hosted the men's and women's amateur championships, would become the first venue outside of the United Kingdom to host the Open or Women's Open.
"I think we're getting pretty close. It's a complicated venue because of the scale of the Open Championship, so there's been a lot of great feasibility work with the golf club themselves, with the local authority, the government," Darbon said on the eve of this year's tournament at Royal Birkdale.
"We've undertaken a big feasibility study, that work is pretty much done. We've confirmed that we believe we can take an Open Championship there.
The R&A - the governing body which organises and runs the Open - first revealed the possibility of Portmarnock hosting golf's oldest championship in 2023, with the Irish government announcing its support of up to 40 million euro (£34m) in 2024.
Portmarnock, which has previously hosted the men's and women's amateur championships, would become the first venue outside of the United Kingdom to host the Open or Women's Open.
"I think we're getting pretty close. It's a complicated venue because of the scale of the Open Championship, so there's been a lot of great feasibility work with the golf club themselves, with the local authority, the government," Darbon said on the eve of this year's tournament at Royal Birkdale.
"We've undertaken a big feasibility study, that work is pretty much done. We've confirmed that we believe we can take an Open Championship there.
16 days ago
The R&A on Wednesday named Adam Scott the recipient of the inaugural Spirit of Golf Award.
The R&A introduced the award to recognize an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the game on a global scale and displays the values, behaviors and traditions inherent to golf. The announcement was made Wednesday during the R&A press conference ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
"I am honored to be the first recipient of the new R&A Spirit of Golf Award.
"As someone who has spent my entire life in the game of golf, it is so meaningful to be recognized for my impact on golf across the world, not only from a playing point of view but for also upholding values which are so integral to the sport," Scott said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed playing in 100 consecutive major championships. It has been a privilege and is something I'll never take for granted. I look forward to continuing that run at Royal Birkdale this week for The 154th Open."
More: Our Open Championship hub: Stats, videos and more
The R&A introduced the award to recognize an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the game on a global scale and displays the values, behaviors and traditions inherent to golf. The announcement was made Wednesday during the R&A press conference ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
"I am honored to be the first recipient of the new R&A Spirit of Golf Award.
"As someone who has spent my entire life in the game of golf, it is so meaningful to be recognized for my impact on golf across the world, not only from a playing point of view but for also upholding values which are so integral to the sport," Scott said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed playing in 100 consecutive major championships. It has been a privilege and is something I'll never take for granted. I look forward to continuing that run at Royal Birkdale this week for The 154th Open."
More: Our Open Championship hub: Stats, videos and more
16 days ago
Wait and see.
That's the approach R&A leadership is taking to England possibly qualifying for the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday. If England were to make it through past Argentina (match starts 3 p.m. ET Wednesday) reports suggested the 154th Open Championship's final round tee times would be changed.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, rebuffed that any decision had been made to alter Sunday's start time at Royal Birkdale. That's not to say Darbon won't be watching England-Argentina fervently in a few short hours.
"I'm an England football fan, so it would be a great problem to have. But I guess also, because I'm an England football fan, we should also wait to see how the semifinal goes before we get too far ahead," he told reporters Wednesday.
Darbon said the Open's final putt is currently scheduled for around 6:40 p.m. local time on Sunday. Spain vs. the England-Argentina winner won't begin until 8 p.m. local.
That's the approach R&A leadership is taking to England possibly qualifying for the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday. If England were to make it through past Argentina (match starts 3 p.m. ET Wednesday) reports suggested the 154th Open Championship's final round tee times would be changed.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, rebuffed that any decision had been made to alter Sunday's start time at Royal Birkdale. That's not to say Darbon won't be watching England-Argentina fervently in a few short hours.
"I'm an England football fan, so it would be a great problem to have. But I guess also, because I'm an England football fan, we should also wait to see how the semifinal goes before we get too far ahead," he told reporters Wednesday.
Darbon said the Open's final putt is currently scheduled for around 6:40 p.m. local time on Sunday. Spain vs. the England-Argentina winner won't begin until 8 p.m. local.
16 days ago
A decision on whether to move the final round of The Open to avoid a clash with the World Cup final will be made after England's semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.
If England beat Argentina - which kicks off at 20:00 BST and will be shown live across the BBC - they will reach Sunday's World Cup final for the first time since winning it in 1966.
Sunday's play at Royal Birkdale is scheduled to finish around 90 minutes before football's showpiece match kicks off in New Jersey at 20:00, with Spain already in the final.
Should the golf go to a play-off, the two events are at risk of overlapping, creating a quandary for fans and broadcasters.
BBC Sport understands that the World Cup final will not be shown on the big screens around the Southport links.
If England beat Argentina - which kicks off at 20:00 BST and will be shown live across the BBC - they will reach Sunday's World Cup final for the first time since winning it in 1966.
Sunday's play at Royal Birkdale is scheduled to finish around 90 minutes before football's showpiece match kicks off in New Jersey at 20:00, with Spain already in the final.
Should the golf go to a play-off, the two events are at risk of overlapping, creating a quandary for fans and broadcasters.
BBC Sport understands that the World Cup final will not be shown on the big screens around the Southport links.
16 days ago
SOUTHPORT, England – Matt Kuchar was five holes away from immortality.
Five holes away at the 2017 British Open here at Royal Birkdale from having his name permanently inscribed on the Claret Jug, golf's oldest trophy, and a spot in the British Open field until he turns 60. Instead, he got steamrolled by Jordan Spieth and one of the great final-round flourishes in major championship history and failed to qualify for the 154th Open this week. From nearly being the Champion Golfer of the Year to not in the field since 2021 and never really sniffing the ******* le again.
"It felt like it was in my hands and all of a sudden Jordan Spieth put on a show and claimed it for himself," Kuchar tells Golfweek in a recent phone interview. "Listen, I got beat but it's tough when at some point you feel like you got that close. I think that makes it even tougher."
More: Golfweek's Father of the Year is Matt Kuchar, who found 'magic' in emotional golf victory
Birkdale was the site of Kuchar's first British Open in 1998 as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, where he missed the cut as he did in 2008 but in 2017 he shot 65 out of the gate to make his presence felt in the battle for the Claret Jug.
Five holes away at the 2017 British Open here at Royal Birkdale from having his name permanently inscribed on the Claret Jug, golf's oldest trophy, and a spot in the British Open field until he turns 60. Instead, he got steamrolled by Jordan Spieth and one of the great final-round flourishes in major championship history and failed to qualify for the 154th Open this week. From nearly being the Champion Golfer of the Year to not in the field since 2021 and never really sniffing the ******* le again.
"It felt like it was in my hands and all of a sudden Jordan Spieth put on a show and claimed it for himself," Kuchar tells Golfweek in a recent phone interview. "Listen, I got beat but it's tough when at some point you feel like you got that close. I think that makes it even tougher."
More: Golfweek's Father of the Year is Matt Kuchar, who found 'magic' in emotional golf victory
Birkdale was the site of Kuchar's first British Open in 1998 as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, where he missed the cut as he did in 2008 but in 2017 he shot 65 out of the gate to make his presence felt in the battle for the Claret Jug.
16 days ago
Rory McIlroy has admitted that he should be able to use driver more than he expected during The Open Championship after returning to Royal Birkdale this week.
McIlroy is going to be one of the heavy favourites to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday evening. The Northern Irishman was exceptional for three days at the Scottish Open this past week.
Of course, the conditions are going to have a big say on who is able to triumph at Royal Birkdale. The United Kingdom has faced an incredibly hot summer, so the golf course is likely to be playing fast and fiery.
That may tempt some players to leave the driver in the bag much more often. However, Rory McIlroy is not one of those.
Famously, Tiger Woods hit the driver just once on his way to winning The Open Championship at Hoylake in 2006.
McIlroy is going to be one of the heavy favourites to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday evening. The Northern Irishman was exceptional for three days at the Scottish Open this past week.
Of course, the conditions are going to have a big say on who is able to triumph at Royal Birkdale. The United Kingdom has faced an incredibly hot summer, so the golf course is likely to be playing fast and fiery.
That may tempt some players to leave the driver in the bag much more often. However, Rory McIlroy is not one of those.
Famously, Tiger Woods hit the driver just once on his way to winning The Open Championship at Hoylake in 2006.
16 days ago
The First Coast and Georgia's Golden Isles will be sending a sizable contingent of players to the 154th Open Championship, July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale, in Southport, England.
The group is led by three past champions: Jacksonville native David Duval (2001, Royal Lytham and St. Annes), Cameron Smith of Ponte Vedra Beach (2022, St. Andrews) and Brian Harman of St. Simons Island, Ga. (2023, Royal Liverpool).
Duval, now with the PGA Tour Champions, will make his 25th start in the Open, and his first since 2022. Harman, Harris English of St. Simons Island and Billy Horschel of Ponte Vedra Beach are all making their 11th starts in golf's oldest championship.
At the other end of the experience spectrum will be Nease graduate Marcus Plunkett, who has been playing on the Asian Tour, Michael Brennan of Jacksonville and Michael Thorbjornsen of Jacksonville. They are playing in their first British Open and in Plunkett's case, his first major.
Primary qualification category: Top 30, 2025 FedEx Cup.
The group is led by three past champions: Jacksonville native David Duval (2001, Royal Lytham and St. Annes), Cameron Smith of Ponte Vedra Beach (2022, St. Andrews) and Brian Harman of St. Simons Island, Ga. (2023, Royal Liverpool).
Duval, now with the PGA Tour Champions, will make his 25th start in the Open, and his first since 2022. Harman, Harris English of St. Simons Island and Billy Horschel of Ponte Vedra Beach are all making their 11th starts in golf's oldest championship.
At the other end of the experience spectrum will be Nease graduate Marcus Plunkett, who has been playing on the Asian Tour, Michael Brennan of Jacksonville and Michael Thorbjornsen of Jacksonville. They are playing in their first British Open and in Plunkett's case, his first major.
Primary qualification category: Top 30, 2025 FedEx Cup.
16 days ago
British Open schedule 2026: Day-by-day TV coverage to watch Open Championship golf on NBC and stream online originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The British Open is heading to Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, for the 11th time in the history of the tournament. The historic 7,223-yard par-70 has hosted the British Open more than any course other than St. Andrews.
The 2026 field features a star-studded lineup of elite players, including returning tournament winners and the world's top-ranked golfers. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will be in the spotlight as he attempts to repeat his incredible performance from last year, alongside a competitive field chasing the historic Claret Jug.
Other top competitors include Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm.
Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 British Open, including the schedule, channels, live streams and more.
The British Open is heading to Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, for the 11th time in the history of the tournament. The historic 7,223-yard par-70 has hosted the British Open more than any course other than St. Andrews.
The 2026 field features a star-studded lineup of elite players, including returning tournament winners and the world's top-ranked golfers. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will be in the spotlight as he attempts to repeat his incredible performance from last year, alongside a competitive field chasing the historic Claret Jug.
Other top competitors include Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahm.
Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 British Open, including the schedule, channels, live streams and more.
17 days ago
Joe Dean, who drove a delivery truck for a grocery store in recent years to make ends meet, secured the final spot in the British Open on Monday, July 13
Dean started delivering for a grocery store in 2020 and told reporters on Monday that he “had a great time doing it”
The British golfer is set to marry his caddie, Emily Lyle, on Tuesday, July 21
English golfer Joe Dean, who in recent years drove a delivery truck to make ends meet, punched his ticket to the British Open.
Dean, 32, snagged the final spot in this year’s Open after a dominant performance in the first-ever “Last Chance Qualifier” at Royal Birkdale on Monday, July 13, according to Golf.com and ESPN.
Dean started delivering for a grocery store in 2020 and told reporters on Monday that he “had a great time doing it”
The British golfer is set to marry his caddie, Emily Lyle, on Tuesday, July 21
English golfer Joe Dean, who in recent years drove a delivery truck to make ends meet, punched his ticket to the British Open.
Dean, 32, snagged the final spot in this year’s Open after a dominant performance in the first-ever “Last Chance Qualifier” at Royal Birkdale on Monday, July 13, according to Golf.com and ESPN.
17 days ago
When Stewart Cink thinks back to when things started to click for him on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, he thinks back to Michigan. It was August 2024, and he was playing the Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc for the first time since turning 50. It was his first time playing Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club since the old Buick Open days.
Cink decided before the 2024 Ally that he was going to make the PGA Tour Champions tour his full-time tour.
He went out that week and won his first Champions tournament. He's won seven Champions tournaments since, including the Ally Challenge again last year. Next month, Cink will go for the three-peat.
"The golf course is fun to play. You know what you're going to get every year," Cink said Tuesday during Ally media day, speaking to Michigan reporters virtually while preparing to play this week's British Open at Royal Birkdale in England. "We know how to play it. It's just a question about how you execute.
"And I think that's one of the reasons players love playing at Warwick Hills. There's no tricks.
Cink decided before the 2024 Ally that he was going to make the PGA Tour Champions tour his full-time tour.
He went out that week and won his first Champions tournament. He's won seven Champions tournaments since, including the Ally Challenge again last year. Next month, Cink will go for the three-peat.
"The golf course is fun to play. You know what you're going to get every year," Cink said Tuesday during Ally media day, speaking to Michigan reporters virtually while preparing to play this week's British Open at Royal Birkdale in England. "We know how to play it. It's just a question about how you execute.
"And I think that's one of the reasons players love playing at Warwick Hills. There's no tricks.
17 days ago
SOUTHPORT, England — David Howard was age 7 when he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. By the time he was a teenager — well before recent medical advances for this rare genetic condition — he’d found out via internet searches he wasn’t expected to live beyond his mid-20s.
Imagine, then, how blessed this Irishman, now 27, feels to be walking the sun-kissed fairways of Royal Birkdale and about to take on the best golfers in the world at the British Open.
“Here I am, as healthy as ever and playing at the Open. It’s just nuts,” Howard said with a smile at the back of the 18th green after his first practice round, in the company of former champions Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry. “Yeah, I’d like to think I’m an inspiration.”
Being a qualified mechanic and No. 1,456 in the world amateur rankings ensures Howard, who came through one of four local qualifying events to take his place in golf’s oldest major, is no normal British Open participant.
Also making him different is what he packs in his golf bag for each round: As important as his clubs is his medication, with Howard taking up to 30 tablets a day to prevent infection and help digest food properly.
Imagine, then, how blessed this Irishman, now 27, feels to be walking the sun-kissed fairways of Royal Birkdale and about to take on the best golfers in the world at the British Open.
“Here I am, as healthy as ever and playing at the Open. It’s just nuts,” Howard said with a smile at the back of the 18th green after his first practice round, in the company of former champions Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry. “Yeah, I’d like to think I’m an inspiration.”
Being a qualified mechanic and No. 1,456 in the world amateur rankings ensures Howard, who came through one of four local qualifying events to take his place in golf’s oldest major, is no normal British Open participant.
Also making him different is what he packs in his golf bag for each round: As important as his clubs is his medication, with Howard taking up to 30 tablets a day to prevent infection and help digest food properly.
17 days ago
Ludvig Åberg’s U.K. fortnight didn’t get off to the best of starts.
Prior to last week’s Genesis Scottish Open, Åberg had to replace his driver shaft and launch monitor after both were damaged on his travel overseas.
Åberg flew from Boston to his native Sweden following the Travelers Championship, though his bags, including his golf bags, didn’t join him for three days. When they finally arrived, Åberg discovered the damage.
“When I pulled it out my driver was snapped in half,” Åberg said during an on-course interview on Tuesday at Royal Birkdale. “My Foresight, the [GC] Quad that I use, was cracked in half.”
Åberg missed the cut last Friday at Renaissance Club and enters this week’s Open Championship without a top-10 finish since his T-4 at the PGA Championship. However, Åberg has been solid in recent majors, currently riding a streak of four straight top-25s in those biggest events since missing back-to-back cuts, at last year’s PGA and U.S. Open.
Prior to last week’s Genesis Scottish Open, Åberg had to replace his driver shaft and launch monitor after both were damaged on his travel overseas.
Åberg flew from Boston to his native Sweden following the Travelers Championship, though his bags, including his golf bags, didn’t join him for three days. When they finally arrived, Åberg discovered the damage.
“When I pulled it out my driver was snapped in half,” Åberg said during an on-course interview on Tuesday at Royal Birkdale. “My Foresight, the [GC] Quad that I use, was cracked in half.”
Åberg missed the cut last Friday at Renaissance Club and enters this week’s Open Championship without a top-10 finish since his T-4 at the PGA Championship. However, Åberg has been solid in recent majors, currently riding a streak of four straight top-25s in those biggest events since missing back-to-back cuts, at last year’s PGA and U.S. Open.
17 days ago
Bryson DeChambeau is trying to avoid making a bit of unfortunate history this week at the Open Championship.
The two-time U.S. Open champion has struggled in major championships in 2026, missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He's one of only three players who have played in all three majors to not make the weekend in any of them.
And at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, he is trying to avoid becoming the first multiple-time major champion to miss the cut in all four majors since 1998.
World Golf Hall of Fame and three-time Open champ Nick Faldo dubbed it "The Rough Slam."
"We've got to name it, right?" he said in an interview with Sky Sports on Tuesday.
The two-time U.S. Open champion has struggled in major championships in 2026, missing the cut at the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open. He's one of only three players who have played in all three majors to not make the weekend in any of them.
And at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, he is trying to avoid becoming the first multiple-time major champion to miss the cut in all four majors since 1998.
World Golf Hall of Fame and three-time Open champ Nick Faldo dubbed it "The Rough Slam."
"We've got to name it, right?" he said in an interview with Sky Sports on Tuesday.
17 days ago
SOUTHPORT, England — The passage of time for golfers often is marked by the return to venues where they made memories. For Justin Rose, Royal Birkdale is just that, as this is his fourth visit to compete in an Open Championship, the first coming 28 years ago as a teenage amateur whose 72nd hole chip-in to finish in a tie for fourth.
Can it really be 28 years?
“Obviously, 1998 does feel like a long, long, long time ago,” Rose said on Tuesday when meeting with the media ahead of the 154th Open Championship. “I feel like there's different iterations or editions of me as a golfer since then, so different spells of my career that I kind of chunk into probably five-, 10-year chunks. There's been quite a few of those moments that have gone under the bridge since '98, good and bad.”
David Cannon
The fact the soon-to-be 46-year-old is still here—playing in his 24th Open, with four top-fives and two runners-up finishes to his credit—is a testament to his talent. But also to good fortune and perseverance. “Twenty-eight years later I'm playing in the Open Championship. I think, if I think about that, that is still that's an amazing achievement. Just to kind of have the will to keep wanting to be here, I think, more than anything.”
Can it really be 28 years?
“Obviously, 1998 does feel like a long, long, long time ago,” Rose said on Tuesday when meeting with the media ahead of the 154th Open Championship. “I feel like there's different iterations or editions of me as a golfer since then, so different spells of my career that I kind of chunk into probably five-, 10-year chunks. There's been quite a few of those moments that have gone under the bridge since '98, good and bad.”
David Cannon
The fact the soon-to-be 46-year-old is still here—playing in his 24th Open, with four top-fives and two runners-up finishes to his credit—is a testament to his talent. But also to good fortune and perseverance. “Twenty-eight years later I'm playing in the Open Championship. I think, if I think about that, that is still that's an amazing achievement. Just to kind of have the will to keep wanting to be here, I think, more than anything.”
17 days ago
Of the 156 players competing at this week's Open Championship, David Howard's journey to Royal Birkdale is among the most remarkable and inspiring.
For a long time, teeing it up at a major alongside the world's best golfers was nothing more than a pipe dream for the trained mechanic from county Cork.
When Howard was seven years old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, the genetic condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.
By his own estimate, Howard was in hospital "a few times a year" with infections.
"I remember when I first got access to a phone when I was 12, 13, I googled 'cystic fibrosis life expectancy' and it was saying mid-20s," the 27-year-old told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson.
For a long time, teeing it up at a major alongside the world's best golfers was nothing more than a pipe dream for the trained mechanic from county Cork.
When Howard was seven years old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, the genetic condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.
By his own estimate, Howard was in hospital "a few times a year" with infections.
"I remember when I first got access to a phone when I was 12, 13, I googled 'cystic fibrosis life expectancy' and it was saying mid-20s," the 27-year-old told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson.
17 days ago
Justin Rose insists there is plenty of time left for him to win the Open Championship as he returns to where it all started for him at Royal Birkdale in 1998.
As a 17-year-old amateur he announced himself to the world by holing a pitch shot at the last in the final round to secure joint fourth place, prompting him to immediately turn professional.
Ahead of his third appearance on the Southport links 28 years on from his first, with a US Open, an Olympic gold medal and 25 other professional wins under his belt, Rose believes the biggest prize in golf for an Englishman is still within his grasp.
“The Open Championship for a British player is the pinnacle of the game for sure. It’s the one that I would love to win the most, for sure,” said the 45-year-old, one of a number of Englishmen trying to become the first since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992 to lift the Claret Jug.
“To step through my career and not have a jug at the end of it, I’ll always look back at it and go, ‘yeah, that’s a shame’.
As a 17-year-old amateur he announced himself to the world by holing a pitch shot at the last in the final round to secure joint fourth place, prompting him to immediately turn professional.
Ahead of his third appearance on the Southport links 28 years on from his first, with a US Open, an Olympic gold medal and 25 other professional wins under his belt, Rose believes the biggest prize in golf for an Englishman is still within his grasp.
“The Open Championship for a British player is the pinnacle of the game for sure. It’s the one that I would love to win the most, for sure,” said the 45-year-old, one of a number of Englishmen trying to become the first since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992 to lift the Claret Jug.
“To step through my career and not have a jug at the end of it, I’ll always look back at it and go, ‘yeah, that’s a shame’.
17 days ago
Justin Rose is hoping England win their World Cup semi-final against Argentina without the need for extra time so it does not interfere with his preparations for The Open.
The 45-year-old has a 9.36 am (0836 GMT) start time on Thursday, which means he will have to be on course at Royal Birkdale probably at least two hours before, and so would like to maximize the amount of sleep he gets.
However, Rose will take any successful outcome from Thomas Tuchel’s side, even if it does require a late night, with the game kicking off at 1900 GMT.
“I was kind of hoping for a later tee time,” he said. “I’d take a win on penalties if it happened but obviously we’re looking for a short, sharp match and a reasonable bedtime.
“Obviously we’re going to be watching, but at the same time I’m going to watch it with an eye on what’s important for me as well and not get too high and low and keep my own emotions in check.
The 45-year-old has a 9.36 am (0836 GMT) start time on Thursday, which means he will have to be on course at Royal Birkdale probably at least two hours before, and so would like to maximize the amount of sleep he gets.
However, Rose will take any successful outcome from Thomas Tuchel’s side, even if it does require a late night, with the game kicking off at 1900 GMT.
“I was kind of hoping for a later tee time,” he said. “I’d take a win on penalties if it happened but obviously we’re looking for a short, sharp match and a reasonable bedtime.
“Obviously we’re going to be watching, but at the same time I’m going to watch it with an eye on what’s important for me as well and not get too high and low and keep my own emotions in check.
17 days ago
SOUTHPORT, England— Ludvig Aberg’s preparation for the Open got off to an inauspicious start.
In a walk-and-talk with Open Championship media at Royal Birkdale Tuesday morning, Aberg relayed that he had some travel difficulties arriving to the United Kingdom earlier this month. For starters, his bag was lost for three days. Not necessarily an uncommon occurrence, both for those at the professional level and amateurs chasing the ball around the globe.
Unfortunately for Aberg, things did not improve when his bag was ultimately discovered.
“When I pulled it out my driver was snapped in half,” Aberg said. “My Foresight, the quad that I use, was cracked in half.”
When the Open reporter joked that his numbers were off, Aberg pantomimed putting his finger in the air to judge the wind.
In a walk-and-talk with Open Championship media at Royal Birkdale Tuesday morning, Aberg relayed that he had some travel difficulties arriving to the United Kingdom earlier this month. For starters, his bag was lost for three days. Not necessarily an uncommon occurrence, both for those at the professional level and amateurs chasing the ball around the globe.
Unfortunately for Aberg, things did not improve when his bag was ultimately discovered.
“When I pulled it out my driver was snapped in half,” Aberg said. “My Foresight, the quad that I use, was cracked in half.”
When the Open reporter joked that his numbers were off, Aberg pantomimed putting his finger in the air to judge the wind.
17 days ago
Shane Lowry always seems at home at The Open Championship.
He won the Claret Jug in 2019, his sole major championship win, and Lowry is a fan favourite whenever he steps on the UK links courses.
Lowry is entering this year’s Open hoping to recapture some of his past form. It’s been a difficult season for the Irishman ever since he threw away his three-shot lead on the final three holes of the Cognizant Classic.
He hasn’t finished in the top 20 since then, so he needs every edge he can get at Royal Birkdale if he wants to get in the mix. And according to Sir Nick Faldo, he already has an advantage over most of the field before he even hits a ball.
Lowry has been grouped with two major champions for his first two rounds of The Open. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and this year’s PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai will tee off with Lowry at Birkdale.
He won the Claret Jug in 2019, his sole major championship win, and Lowry is a fan favourite whenever he steps on the UK links courses.
Lowry is entering this year’s Open hoping to recapture some of his past form. It’s been a difficult season for the Irishman ever since he threw away his three-shot lead on the final three holes of the Cognizant Classic.
He hasn’t finished in the top 20 since then, so he needs every edge he can get at Royal Birkdale if he wants to get in the mix. And according to Sir Nick Faldo, he already has an advantage over most of the field before he even hits a ball.
Lowry has been grouped with two major champions for his first two rounds of The Open. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and this year’s PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai will tee off with Lowry at Birkdale.
17 days ago
Tom Sloman is preparing to make his major tournament debut after qualifying for the Open Championship, 25 years on from attending the event as a young fan.
Taunton-born Sloman, who turned 30 last week, qualified for The Open - which starts on Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport - by winning firstly at Ferndown Golf Club, and then coming in joint-third at home course Burnham and Berrow where he finished his two rounds eight under par.
Coming through the ranks at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club, Sloman turned professional after representing England and Ireland in the 2019 Walker Cup.
He will play his first two rounds this week alongside New Zealander and fellow regional qualifier Kazuma Kobori, as well as Irish amateur David Howard, teeing off on Thursday at 10:42 BST.
Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Sloman reflected on his golfing past, and vowed he was not going "just to make up the numbers."
Taunton-born Sloman, who turned 30 last week, qualified for The Open - which starts on Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport - by winning firstly at Ferndown Golf Club, and then coming in joint-third at home course Burnham and Berrow where he finished his two rounds eight under par.
Coming through the ranks at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club, Sloman turned professional after representing England and Ireland in the 2019 Walker Cup.
He will play his first two rounds this week alongside New Zealander and fellow regional qualifier Kazuma Kobori, as well as Irish amateur David Howard, teeing off on Thursday at 10:42 BST.
Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Sloman reflected on his golfing past, and vowed he was not going "just to make up the numbers."
