The British Open is heading to Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, for the 11th time in tournament history, bringing with it a star-studded lineup ready to battle for the Claret Jug. This historic 7,223-yard par-70 course has seen more Opens than any venue other than St. Andrews, and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is back in the spotlight, looking to repeat last year's incredible performance. The field is packed with elite players and top-ranked golfers, all chasing that coveted trophy.
The Stage is Set for Golf's Biggest Names
You want big names? Royal Birkdale's got 'em. Scottie Scheffler isn't just defending a title, he's taking on golf's toughest challenge with the eyes of the world on him. But he's not alone out there. The field is absolutely stacked with competitive talent. We're talking about heavy hitters like Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm, all ready to throw down and make a run for that Claret Jug. This isn't just any tournament, it's a showcase of the best of the best, going head-to-head on one of the most storied courses in golf. Every shot is going to matter, and with a lineup like this, you know we're in for some wild finishes.Don't Miss a Single Shot: Here's How to Watch
Good news, golf fanatics: you won't have to miss a second of this epic showdown. The 2026 British Open kicks off on Thursday, July 16, and wraps up on Sunday, July 19. You can catch all the action live on NBC, USA Network, and NBCSN. For early bird viewers, Peacock and NBCSN will have coverage starting at 1:30 a.m. ET on Thursday and Friday. USA Network takes over from 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET those days. Come the weekend, USA Network handles the early morning slots before NBC steps in for the main network coverage, running from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Sunday. Live streaming is also a breeze. You can stream the primary broadcast sections on DIRECTV, with early morning tournament slots available on Peacock. Plus, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app have you covered for digital streaming. The broadcast team is solid, too. Mike Tirico is hosting, with Dan Hicks, Terry Gannon, and Steve Sands on play-by-play. Analysts Kevin Kisner, Brad Faxon, Paul McGinley, and Curt Byrum will break down every swing, and Jim "Bones" Mackay, Smylie Kaufman, and John Wood will be reporting directly from the course. It's going to be a packed four days of elite golf. Scheffler's quest to repeat, against such a stacked field on a course that challenges every part of a player's game, means we're in for must-watch television. Get ready for some unforgettable moments as these titans battle for the ultimate prize.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.