The Open tee times put Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy in loaded Royal Birkdale groups
The Open Championship has announced marquee groupings for the first two rounds, pairing Scottie Scheffler with Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy with Xander Schauffele. These pairings highlight the current form and competitive struggles of golf's biggest stars.
Why it matters
High-profile pairings at major tournaments significantly impact viewership and narrative focus for the sport.
The Open Championship released its first- and second-round tee times Monday, and the R&A made sure the two biggest stars in golf are featured in two marquee groupings. Defending Champion Golfer of the Year Scottie Scheffler will play alongside two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton during the opening two rounds at Royal Birkdale. Six-time major champion and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy was paired with a couple of former major winners: Xander Schauffele, who won the 2024 PGA Championship and Open Championship, and England's Matt Fitzpatrick, winner of the 2022 U.S. Open. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Talk about loading up two groups with huge names. The R&A also decided to split the groups between the morning and afternoon waves, ensuring that Scheffler and McIlroy would be on the course at different times.
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