Scheffler ready for title defence as 154th Open gets underway

Golf - The 154th Open Championship - Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Britain - July 15, 2026 Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. during practice REUTERS/Andrew Boyers 16 Jul 2026 01:52PM SOUTHPORT, England, July 16 : The British Open began under clear skies on Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, where American Scottie Scheffler is bidding to become the event's first back-to-back winner since 2008.• The opening shot of the 154th edition was struck by England's Matthew Baldwin, who is also a member at Royal Birkdale. He was joined by Belgian Thomas Detry and American James Nicholas in game one.• World number one Scheffler, who finished on 17 under at Royal Portrush last year, is hoping to become the first man since Padraig Harrington to win back-to-back Opens. Harrington won his second t