The Open 2019: When does it start, what TV channel is it on, tee-off times, prediction, odds, prize money and more

Everything you need to know ahead of the 148th rendition of The Open

For the first time since 1951, The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for a major littered with subplots and storylines.

The home of Rory McIlroy, the year of Tiger Woods‘ major-winning return all at the heart of Brooks Koepka‘s streak of dominance, who spearhead a full-strength field in pursuit of the Claret Jug.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What date is the tournament being played?

The first group will tee-off in the early hours of Thursday 18 July on the Antram Coast with the fourth and final round concluding on Sunday 21.

How can I watch it in the UK?

The Open will be broadcast in its entirety on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.

Who is the defending champion?

Francesco Molinari is defending the Claret Jug after his gritty final round display last year at Carnoustie to hold off the challenges of Tiger Woods and Xander Schauffele.

“Unfortunately it is time to take [the Claret Jug] back but it’s been an enjoyable 11 months,” Molinari told The Cut podcast.

“Your name is on it, anyway, forever. It’s nice to have the trophy at home but I don’t think it will be such a shock to give it back.

“It’s such an iconic trophy that even when you get it you know it’s not going to be for a long time.”

Francesco Molinari sinks the winning putt on the 18th at Carnoustie (PA)

Who is the favourite?

Rory McIlroy is the frontrunner at 8/1 on home turf where he set a course record 61 while he was just 15 years old.

Brooks Koepka (10/1) and a pack at (14/1) including Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Tiger Woods are also tightly bunched behind.

When do the players tee-off?

Tee-off times will be released in full once the final qualification event, The John Deere Classic, is completed this weekend and you can find them here as soon as they are.

What is the prize money?

The Open remains the most valuable of all four majors, with a £200,000 increase by the R&A taking the overall prize pot to £9.6m, while the winner will take home a £1.55m share.