The 153rd Open Championship: First Round Tee Times and Player Groupings at Royal Portrush

The opening round of the 153rd Open Championship is poised to take place at the historic Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, showcasing a stellar assembly of elite golfers. This yearS tournament promises fierce rivalry as competitors strive for one of golf’s most coveted titles.

Highlighted Player Groups and Tee Off Schedule

Rory McIlroy, currently ranked second globally, will begin his round alongside England’s Tommy Fleetwood and two-time PGA champion Justin Thomas. McIlroy is eager to claim his second major victory this season, adding intrigue to this high-profile grouping.

On another front, Scottie Scheffler pairs with Collin Morikawa and Shane Lowry-the latter having triumphed here in 2019-forming a formidable trio. Meanwhile, defending champion Xander Schauffele tees off with US Open winner JJ Spaun and Spain’s Jon Rahm.

key Group Start Times (BST)

• Rory McIlroy’s group begins play at 15:10 BST.
• Xander Schauffele leads off earlier at 09:58 BST with JJ Spaun and Jon Rahm.
• Shane Lowry joins Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa starting at 10:09 BST.

A Truly International Lineup Reflecting Golf’s Global Growth

This year’s roster features players representing over 25 nations, underscoring golf’s expanding worldwide appeal. emerging talents such as Haotong Li from china, Takumi Kanaya from Japan, and Lucas Herbert from Australia compete alongside seasoned veterans like Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen. Recent statistics reveal that international golfers now constitute nearly half of all participants in major championships on the PGA Tour circuit.

Tee Times From Hole One (BST)

1. 06:35 – Padraig Harrington (Ireland), Nicolai Hojgaard (Denmark), Tom McKibbin (Northern Ireland)
2. 06:46 – Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), Guido Migliozzi (Italy), KJ Choi (South Korea)
3. 06:57 – Cameron Smith (Australia), Marco Penge (England), Justin Hastings* (Wales)
4. 07:08 – Jason day (Australia), Taylor Pendrith (Canada), Jacob Skov Olesen* (denmark)
5. 07:19 – Phil Mickelson, Daniel Van Tonder (South Africa), Ryan Peake (Australia)

tee Times From Hole Ten Begin at:

30. 09:58 – Xander Schauffele, JJ Spaun, Jon Rahm (Spain)
31. 10:09 – Shane Lowry (Ireland), collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler

The Players’ Stories Behind the Competition

The pressure mounts as contenders seek to carve their legacy into golfing history. Rory McIlroy reminisces about shooting an extraordinary round of 61 on these very fairways during his teenage years-highlighting a deep-rooted connection with Royal Portrush spanning nearly two decades.Similarly, Shane Lowry reflects on managing expectations after his memorable victory here four years ago under challenging weather conditions that tested every player’s endurance.

“Coming back here stirs vivid memories; it ignites my passion not only to compete but also to triumph once more,” shared one leading competitor before tee-off.

Catching Every Moment Live – Broadcast Details for Fans Worldwide

This year’s championship offers extensive live coverage beginning thursday morning at 6:30am BST via Sky Sports Golf channel. Viewers around the globe can stream uninterrupted action across multiple platforms without subscription barriers-ensuring fans don’t miss any crucial shots or leaderboard changes throughout this week-long spectacle.

A Tournament Steeped in Tradition Meets Modern-Day Excellence

The Open stands among golf’s oldest majors-with origins dating back over a century-and continues evolving by welcoming fresh talent while preserving traditions unique to links-style courses like Royal Portrush. The unpredictable coastal weather combined with demanding course design requires players to adapt swiftly or risk falling behind early in what promises tight competition where every stroke counts immensely.

Main Contenders & Rising Stars Overview

• Rory McIlroy: Pursuing his sixth major title; strong past performances here boost confidence
  < li >< em >Scottie Scheffler: World No1 known for composure under pressure
  < li >< em >Shane Lowry: Local favorite who mastered these greens during previous win
  < li >< em >Jon Rahm: Aggressive playstyle combined with reliable putting makes him tough opponent
  < li >< em >justin Thomas: two-time PGA champion bringing valuable experience against top fields

*Amateurs are marked by an “x” next to their names within tee time listings*

The battle for glory unfolds live across numerous channels-stay tuned as The Open delivers unparalleled access into every shot played during this grand event!