The course in Southport, about 18 miles north of Liverpool, has hosted the British Open 10 times previously, first in 1954 and most recently in 2017. Peter Thomson won twice there (1954 and 1965), and the list of Open champs at Royal Birkdale includes Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth.

A thrilling 2025 golf season has reached its final major with The Open Championship entering its 153rd playing this week at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. The oldest golf tournament in the world returns to Portrush for the first time in six years with the Claret Jug set to be awarded on site Sunday for just the third time.

The second round of the British Open will begin at 1:35 a.m. (EDT) on July 18, when 2009 champion Stewart Cink, Matteo Manassero and Marc Leishman tee off.