The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club is concluding today with its final round. Sam Burns leads the pack by two shots after experiencing setbacks at the U.S. Open over the past two years. The question remains: Can he clinch the victory today? Stay updated with coverage from The Athletic’s team.
Key Details:
- Time: First group tees off at 2:40 a.m. ET, 7:40 a.m. BST
- Watch: In the U.S., coverage is available from 4 a.m. (USA) and at 7 a.m. ET (Peacock). In the UK, watch via Sky Sports.
- Join the discussion by emailing [email protected].
Sam Burns Leading the Pack
Sam Burns is in the spotlight with a two-shot lead heading into today’s play. Despite past disappointments, especially having led after 54 holes last year, he is positioned well to take his first major title. Burns’ lead was bolstered by an impressive 62-65 over the past two rounds, marking the lowest 36-hole stretch in major history.
Burns on his unexpected participation in The Open:
“I didn’t expect to play given my wife Caroline’s due date. Our daughter Belle’s arrival was earlier than anticipated, allowing me to compete.”
Other Contenders
Scottie Scheffler, though he remains a major threat, struggled with his putting during the third round. He posted 16 pars, one birdie, and one bogey, resulting in missed scoring opportunities.
Bryson DeChambeau stayed competitive despite a controversial penalty after the second round. He is four shots from the lead, thanks to his calm performance in subsequent rounds.
Courses and Conditions
Royal Birkdale, with a course length of 7,223 yards, remains challenging with its 70-par layout. Since its inception in 1889, it has hosted The Open 11 times. Recent renovations have added three new holes, adding fresh challenges for participants.
The unpredictable winds from the Irish Sea often create tough playing conditions for golfers.
Tee Times and Recent Champions
Here are some of the early tee times for today:
- 2:40 a.m.: Jesper Svensson, Keegan Bradley
- 3:00 a.m.: Jack McDonald, Ben Griffin
- 4:00 a.m.: Nick Taylor, MJ Daffue
In terms of recent Open winners, none has managed to claim the title more than once in the past 11 years. The past champions include Scottie Scheffler in 2025 and Xander Schauffele in 2024, showcasing the event’s competitive nature.
With a rich history and challenging conditions, today promises exhilarating golf as The Open Championship draws to a climactic close.