Scheffler eyes historic back-to-back Open titles as 154th championship begins

The 154th Open Championship commenced under clear skies at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, with American Scottie Scheffler aiming to make history. Scheffler is seeking to become the first golfer since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to win consecutive Open titles.

Harrington, who achieved the feat himself, also secured his second Open victory at Royal Birkdale. Scheffler, currently the world number one, finished last year's Open at Royal Portrush with a score of 17 under par. He is scheduled to begin his title defense at 9:58 a.m. local time, playing alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton.

The opening shot of the tournament was struck by England's Matthew Baldwin, a member at Royal Birkdale, who was grouped with Belgium's Thomas Detry and American James Nicholas. World number two Rory McIlroy will commence his campaign later in the day at 3:15 p.m., playing with 2024 champion Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick. McIlroy is pursuing his seventh major title, with his sole Open win coming 12 years ago at Royal Liverpool.