SOUTHPORT, England — The 154th Open Championship began on Thursday at Royal Birkdale, with world number one Scottie Scheffler heading a 156-player field chasing the Claret Jug on England's north-west coast. The championship marks the year's final men's major.

Royal Birkdale hosts the Open for the 11th time, having last staged it in 2017 when Jordan Spieth prevailed. Past champions Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Brian Harman were among the contenders battling links conditions.

Weather is expected to shape the opening round, with coastal winds off the Irish Sea a familiar test at Birkdale. Morning and afternoon tee times will face contrasting conditions, a factor that has historically influenced scoring on the Lancashire links.

Scheffler arrived as the betting favourite following a dominant run in 2026, while McIlroy sought to build on his strong recent major form. Organisers anticipated large galleries across the four days, with the champion to be crowned on Sunday.

"Links golf demands patience and precision, and Royal Birkdale will reward the complete player," the R&A said ahead of the first round.