The 2026 Open is into its second round as the R&A seeks to crown a Champion Golfer of the Year at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, for the first time in nine years. The best golfers in the world convened again on Friday, all seeking to move into position entering the weekend so they can raise the Claret Jug on Sunday. Follow along with 2026 Open leaderboard live coverage with analysis and highlights throughout the second round.
While only one will be lucky enough to carry the hardware, a stacked field of 156 golfers should offer an incredible run from start to finish. The 2025 Open champion, Scottie Scheffler, entered as the favorite once again, and after 18 holes, he proved that he's up for the challenge of defending his crown. Rory McIlroy began the tournament second on the odds board, but he struggled all afternoon with the tough test Birkdale presents, and now, he will begin the second round seeking to find his way inside the cut line..
Friday got off to a rousing start when Australia's Lucas Herbert and the United States' Sam Burns fired matching 62s, tying the lowest score to par in any round at any major championship. Herbert grabbed the clubhouse lead but missed a par putt on the 18th from roughly 5 feet out, missing an opportunity to set the record himself. Burns, meanwhile, drained birdies on his final three holes of the day, including a hole out from the greenside bunker on 18 to sign for his 62. He moved up an improbable 100 spots on the leaderboard when he walked off the 18th green after shooting a 73 in Round 1.
There is so much to follow this week that it can be overwhelming at times. No worries: We have you covered. CBS Sports is offering live coverage of the 2026 Open from start to finish. Check out how you can watch the Open on Friday.
All times Eastern
Round 2 -- Friday, July 17
Round 2 start time: 1:30 a.m.
Open live stream: 1:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Peacock
TV coverage: 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on USA Network
