McIlroy Faces a Baked Birkdale Where Every Bounce Can Betray

Last updated: 16 July 2026, morning BST

Royal Birkdale opened under bright skies, with browned fairways sending golf balls skittering towards places their owners had not intended. Rory McIlroy begins his first round at 3.15pm BST, alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick, as the 154th Open Championship turns into a test of imagination as much as execution. The six-time major winner believes the thinner rough may permit a more aggressive approach, but the hard ground means even accurate shots can take violent, unpredictable bounces.

How Events Unfolded

The championship began at 6.35am, when Southport-born Matthew Baldwin struck the opening tee shot to a large home reception. Thomas Detry recorded the tournament's first birdie, while Robert MacIntyre started birdie-birdie and moved to two under during the early stages.

The calm morning offered the early groups an opportunity. The on-site forecast predicted sunshine, temperatures reaching 25°C and winds of 10-15mph, with the breeze expected to become more troublesome later in the day. That timing could matter for McIlroy, whose group is among the afternoon starters.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler was scheduled to tee off at 9.58am with Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau. Tommy Fleetwood, the Southport favourite, followed at 10.09am alongside Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm, before McIlroy's headline group began its round more than five hours later. Readers can follow the live first-round developments throughout the day.

McIlroy arrives after rounds of 73 and 64 secured a share of seventh at the Scottish Open. His approach play had troubled him during recent starts, particularly when shaping shots in a left-to-right wind, although he said his swing felt better during practice at Birkdale.

Under the Surface

The story of this Open begins with the ground. Royal Birkdale has previously punished players through wind and rain: play was briefly suspended in 2017, while Padraig Harrington won the weather-beaten 2008 championship with a score of three over par. This edition presents the opposite problem.

Weeks of hot, dry weather have baked the links. Balls have been bouncing high after landing and iron shots have rolled dozens of extra yards, creating what one account described as golf inside a pinball machine. The rough has also thinned, giving players a better chance of advancing misplaced drives, but reduced stopping power makes judging distances far harder.

The course itself has changed since Spieth won here in 2017. The fifth, 14th and 15th holes have been extensively redesigned, with the 15th now a long par three. Scheffler said the altered green complexes have severe slopes and look noticeably different from older sections of the course.

Voices & Opinions

McIlroy sees both danger and opportunity in the conditions. His comments matter because he has already completed the career Grand Slam and is seeking a second Open title, having first lifted the Claret Jug in 2014.

The course is primed for an amazing week. It's as linksy as links gets.

He added that the less dense rough could allow him to attack more freely, although control after the ball lands remains uncertain. Scheffler offered a similar warning after his preparations.

You're going to get some weird bounces, some weird stuff is going to happen, but a lot of thinking off the tee and going into the greens.

The pair also rejected the idea that records alone should define their careers. McIlroy said chasing results without enjoying the process would be unfulfilling, a revealing position from a player who has spent years pursuing major milestones.

Putting It in Perspective

The immediate British interest stretches beyond McIlroy. Fleetwood is attempting to win at his home Open, while Rose, Fitzpatrick, Hatton and PGA champion Aaron Rai are among the English contenders. No Englishman has won The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, and the last English winner on English soil was Tony Jacklin in 1969.

There is also a substantial financial reward. The champion receives $3.2m (£2.4m) from a total purse of $17.75m (£13.3m), an increase of $750,000 from the previous championship. Every professional who makes the weekend is guaranteed prize money, with 70th place worth $40,700.

For viewers in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports Golf began coverage at 6.30am and is providing at least 15 hours of action during each of the opening two rounds. The top 70 players and ties after 36 holes will progress to the weekend.

Looking Ahead

Attention now turns to the afternoon conditions and whether the breeze strengthens before McIlroy's 3.15pm start. His ability to control approach shots, manage the redesigned holes and accept unfavourable bounces will shape his opening round.

Friday is also forecast to be sunny and reach 25°C, meaning the course should continue firming. A slight chance of a weekend shower has been identified, but no substantial rain is forecast in the supplied outlook. The first cut will be made after Friday's second round, before the remaining players contest the championship over the weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Rory McIlroy tee off at The Open?

McIlroy is scheduled to begin his first round at 3.15pm BST with Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Where is The Open Championship being played in 2026?

The 154th Open Championship is being held at Royal Birkdale in Southport, Merseyside.

What are the conditions like at Royal Birkdale?

The course is dry, firm and fast after hot weather, producing long rolls and unpredictable bounces.

How much does the 2026 Open winner receive?

The winner will collect $3.2m, approximately £2.4m, from a total prize fund of $17.75m.

Who is the defending Open champion?

Scottie Scheffler is defending the title after winning at Royal Portrush with a score of 17 under.

How many players make the cut at The Open?

The top 70 players and ties after 36 holes qualify for the final two rounds.