Final Round Coverage of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

The Athletic provides live coverage of the final round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, marking the culmination of golf’s final major of 2026. Sam Burns leads by two strokes, after previous disappointments at the U.S. Open. The play began at 2:40 a.m. ET, 7:40 a.m. BST with the first group hitting the green.

Sam Burns in the Spotlight

American golfer Sam Burns holds a two-shot lead entering today’s play at Royal Birkdale. Burns, close to victory in previous majors, seeks to secure his first major title. In past attempts, including a missed birdie putt that could have led to a playoff, Burns faced challenges but heads into today’s play as a front-runner.

Scottie Scheffler’s Struggles with Putting

Scottie Scheffler experienced a modest third round, hindered by his struggles with the putter. He managed 16 pars, one birdie, and one bogey amidst missing multiple birdie putts. Scheffler ranks 135th at The Open with minus-2.98 strokes gained in putting, placing him at 4-under overall.

Bryson DeChambeau’s Resilience

Bryson DeChambeau, despite a controversial two-stroke penalty during the second round, maintained his composure. Shooting a 1-under 69 in the third round, DeChambeau sits at 6-under, just four shots off the lead entering the final round. His steadiness amidst challenges highlights his ability to remain in contention.

Burns’ Journey and Insights

Burns had not anticipated participating in The Open this year due to his wife’s expected due date. However, with the early birth of their daughter, he found himself leading the tournament. His perspective on tournament play is informed by his friendship with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, whose consistent and low-risk approach has influenced Burns’ game.

Quotes and Observations

Notable insights include Sam Burns’ empathy for DeChambeau regarding the penalty and his emphasis on the support from fans. Burns also credits his observation of Scheffler’s style for influencing his more strategic approach in majors.

Course Information: Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale, founded in 1889, hosts The Open for the 11th time. This summer, new holes were added, contributing to its 7,223-yard course with a par of 70. Winds from the Irish Sea pose challenges for players while providing scenic views for spectators.

Notable Early Tee Times

• 2:40 a.m. – Jesper Svensson, Keegan Bradley
• 3:50 a.m. – Min Woo Lee, Tyrrell Hatton
• 4:15 a.m. – Eugenio Chacarra, Rickie Fowler
• 4:35 a.m. – JJ Spaun, Victor Perez

Recent Past Winners

No golfer has won The Open more than once in the past 11 years, illustrating the tournament’s competitive nature. Recent champions include Scottie Scheffler (2025) and Xander Schauffele (2024).

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