Final Round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

The Open Championship, golf’s final major of 2026, concludes today at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. American golfer Sam Burns leads by two shots as he seeks redemption after heartbreaks at the U.S. Open in the past two years.

Burns’ Journey:

Sam Burns enters the final round with a two-shot advantage, hoping to secure his first major title. His previous experiences at the U.S. Open saw him come close but ultimately fall short. Last year, a missed birdie putt on the 18th hole kept him from a playoff, and he had a 54-hole lead the year before that he couldn’t hold. This opportunity at Royal Birkdale is significant for Burns as he vies for victory.

Television Coverage:

The tournament’s broadcast details include U.S. viewing at 4 a.m. (USA) and 7 a.m. ET on Peacock, while UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports. The first group teed off at 2:40 a.m. ET, 7:40 a.m. BST.

Scheffler’s Struggles:

Scottie Scheffler experienced difficulties with putting during the third round, hindering his score. Despite hitting greens consistently, Scheffler ranks low in strokes gained putting, which is impacting his overall performance.

“I need to focus on shooting a low round tomorrow,” said Scheffler regarding his challenges with putting.

DeChambeau’s Consistency:

Despite a controversial penalty in the second round, Bryson DeChambeau maintained composure, ending the third round four shots off the lead. His tournament performance remains strong despite challenges, emphasizing his potential to influence the final outcome.

Course Details:

Royal Birkdale, hosting The Open for the first time since 2017, poses unique challenges with its coastal winds and recent course additions. The venue’s yardage totals 7,223 yards with a par of 70, adding to the strategic dimension of the championship.

Earlier Tee Times:

• 2:40 a.m.: Jesper Svensson, Keegan Bradley
• 2:50 a.m.: Matthew Southgate, Laurie Canter
• 3:00 a.m.: Jack McDonald, Ben Griffin
• 3:10 a.m.: Peter Uihlein, Kazuki Higa

Past Champions:

The past decade has seen different winners for The Open, demonstrating the tournament’s competitive nature. Notable previous winners include Scottie Scheffler in 2025 and Xander Schauffele in 2024.

Royal Birkdale’s Legacy:

First established in 1889, Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open eleven times since 1954. Located by the Irish Sea, the course presents challenging conditions with its new holes and unique layout.

Burns on DeChambeau and Scheffler:

Burns expressed his sympathy for DeChambeau, commenting on the resilience shown post-penalty. He also highlighted the mentorship from Scheffler, which has aided his development in managing major tournaments better.

Personal Developments:

Recently, Burns juggled family commitments and professional goals after his wife unexpectedly gave birth to their second child. This change allowed Burns to participate in The Open, a tournament initially not on his schedule.

The final day promises an exciting end to the tournament as top players compete at Royal Birkdale.

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