It’s time for the last major championship of the year as The Open Championship next place at Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017.
World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler returns to defend his title at the course located in Southport, England.
As is the case with every major, the field loaded – you name it and they are there.
This week may prove to be unique to most of The Open Championships is that weather forecast is actually good. Known for gloom and doom, it looks like it will be sunny with no rain.
Here is the forecast for the week, which is always a major factor in The Open Championship. In fact, it’s summer weather in a relative way for The Open.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with temperatures rising to a high of 82. Minimal chance of rain, with winds forecast at 8-14 mph and gusts up to 20 mph.
Friday: Cooler temperatures as clouds come and go throughout the day, with a high of 77 and a slight chance of showers. North winds are forecast at 8-14 mph.
Saturday: Mostly clouds throughout the day, with a high of 75 and 20 percent chance of showers. North winds are forecast at 8-14 mph.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy skies are forecast, with a high of 73 and a slight chance of showers. Northwest winds are forecast at 8-14 mph.
Here are some of the most interesting groupings for Thursday (Wednesday night) start of The Open Championships. Times are PDT.
11:19 p.m.: Robert MacIntyre, Rickie Fowler, Alex Fitzpatrick.
1:36 a.m.: Russell Henley, Justin Rose, Victor Hovland.
1:58 a.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, Bryson DeChambeau.
2:09 a.m.: Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm.
6:53 a.m.: Shane Lowry, Aaron Rai, Brooks Koepka.
7:04 a.m.: Cameron Young, Wyndam Clark, Ludvig Aberg.
7:15 a.m.: Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick.
As you can tell from those tee times, if you want to watch live, be ready to sacrifice some sleep. Especially if you live on the West Coast. After being spoiled with the viewing times of the World Cup, we go back to a lack of sleep here.
Thursday and Friday: 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. (Peacock), 1 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (USA Network).
Saturday: 2 a.m.-4 a.m. (USA), 4 a.m.-12 noon (NBC/Peacock).
Sunday: 1 a.m.-4 a.m. (USA), 4 a.m.-11 a.m. (NBC/Peacock).
PGA Tour
With the Open Championship taking place this week across the pond, we still have the PGA Tour at the Corales Puntacana in the Dominican Republic.
This event moved from April to July and even though it goes up against The Open Championships, there are plenty of FedEx Cup points available as well as a $4 million purse.
Last year’s winner Garrick Higgo took home $720,000 for winning the tournament.
Television coverage is all on Golf Channel at the following times: Thursday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-12 noon; Sunday 1 p.m.-3 p.m.