The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is set to begin on Thursday, July 17, 2025, promising exciting competition as the world's best golfers vie for the Claret Jug. Golf fans are in for some early mornings, or late nights, depending on their location, to catch all the action.

Key Storylines

Several compelling storylines are developing as the tournament approaches. Rory McIlroy, who completed the Career Grand Slam at the Masters, will be playing in his home country, seeking his second major of the season and his first Open win on home soil. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his PGA Championship victory, is aiming for his first Open title. Xander Schauffele, the defending champion, is looking to repeat his success from the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Featured Groups

The Open will showcase several featured groups that are sure to draw attention. These groups include:

• 4:58 a.m. ET: Xander Schauffele, JJ Spaun, Jon Rahm.
• 5:09 a.m. ET: Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler.
• 9:48 a.m. ET: Robert MacIntyre, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Rose.
• 10:10 a.m. ET: Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood.

Padraig Harrington, Nicolai Højgaard, and Tom McKibbin will have the honor of being the first group to tee off at 1:35 a.m. ET.

Other Notable Pairings

Several other pairings are also worth noting:

• 1:46 a.m.: Louis Oosthuizen, Guido Migliozzi, K.J. Choi.
• 1:57 a.m.: Cameron Smith, Marco Penge, Justin Hastings (a).
• 2:08 a.m.: Jason Day, Taylor Pendrith, Jacob Skov Olesen.
• 2:19 a.m.: Phil Mickelson, Daniel Van Tonder, Ryan Peake.
• 3:25 a.m.: Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Young, Mackenzie Hughes.

How to Watch

NBC, Peacock, and USA Network will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Open Championship.

• Thursday, July 17: Peacock (1:30 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. ET), USA Network (4:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET).
• Friday, July 18: Peacock (1:30 a.m. - 4:00 a.m. ET), USA Network (4:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET).
• Saturday, July 19: USA Network (5:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ET), NBC and Peacock (7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET).
• Sunday, July 20: USA Network (4:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ET), NBC and Peacock (7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET).

Live Featured Group coverage will also be available on R&A TV.