You’re Gonna Want to Set Your Alarms to Watch These Groups at The Open

The first tee time of The Open is set for 1:35 a.m. ET Thursday morning. I really hope you’re stocked up on coffee.

Groupings for the first two rounds were released on Tuesday, and the R&A hit it out of the park. There are a bunch of loaded groups, some interesting threesomes, and everything in between.

But as I was scanning the tee sheet, four groups immediately stood out. So, let’s rank the four best groups for the first two rounds of The Open at Royal Portrush.

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Ranking the Best Groups at The Open

4. Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, and J.J. Spaun

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Xander is the defending Champion Golfer of the Year, and Jon Rahm is widely considered a substantial threat to hoist the Claret Jug come Sunday. Doesn’t hurt that the threesome is rounded out by the current U.S. Open champion. I’m very interested to see how Spaun responds in his first major since Oakmont.

3. Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, and Shane Lowry

The best player in the world, the man who won the Claret Jug the last time the Open was held at Portrush, and the 2021 Champion Golfer of the Year? Yeah, that’ll do. Plus, Scheffler earned even more points with me on Tuesday after his incredible answer at his presser. If you haven’t seen it, check it out here.

2. Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, and Viktor Hovland

Jordan Spieth and The Open. That’s appointment television every single time. I’d never miss it. And he’s playing with two of the best young stars in the game? Yeah, I’ll be seated.

1. Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Tommy Fleetwood

How could this group not be No. 1? The hometown kid, Fairway Jesus looking for his first major, and JT, and man who can win anywhere, anytime. There’s a big part of me that thinks the eventual winner comes from this group.