Play Begins At Royal Birkdale [SCORES]

The world's best golfers are tackling Royal Birkdale on the northwest coast of England for The 146th Open Championship.

The first golfers teed off at 1:35am (our time in Maine) for the third major of the year.

The course features tight fairways, challenging winds off the Irish Sea and sand dunes - lots of sand dunes.

Henrik Stenson is defending champion and he's playing in a group that includes Jordan Spieth.(4:47am)

Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy are part of a group that tees off at 9:48am.

Sergio Garcia and Jason Day begin play at 8:04am.

NOTE: Listen for hourly updates from The 146th Open on Sports Radio 92.9 The Ticket starting with Thursday's 'Morning Pitch Show' at 6am.

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