The 151st Open Championship teed off on Thursday morning in Hoylake, England, marking the final major of the year. With a loaded 156-man field, this year’s tournament is expected to be a thrilling display of golfing talent.
Local player Matthew Jordan had the honor of starting the proceedings at Royal Liverpool, which is hosting The Open for the first time since 2014. As the United States was still fast asleep, some of the biggest names in the game prepared to make their mark in Round 1.
One of those big names is Brooks Koepka, who already has five major championships under his belt. Fresh off his PGA Championship victory, Koepka has the chance to secure his second multiple-major season with a win at The Open.
Scottie Scheffler, currently ranked as the world’s number one golfer, is another player to watch. With an impressive streak of 18 consecutive top 12 finishes, Scheffler is aiming for major number two and capping off his exceptional season.
Cameron Smith, the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year, hopes to become the first successful defender of the Claret Jug since Padraig Harrington in 2007-08. Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele are all vying to win their first major title.
However, all eyes are on Rory McIlroy, the world’s number two-ranked golfer. Fresh off his victory at the Scottish Open, McIlroy returns to the course where he won his first Open Championship nine years ago. With four major titles to his name, McIlroy joins fellow Europeans Jon Rahm and Justin Rose in the quest for another triumph at Hoylake.
As the action unfolds, CBS Sports will be providing live scores and highlights throughout the tournament. Fans can also keep track of the leaderboard, Round 1 tee times, and find complete coverage of The Open on CBS.
The 151st Open Championship promises to be a contest filled with excitement, history, and the pursuit of golfing glory. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare for an unforgettable weekend of golf.