Rory McIlroy paired with Bubba Watson and Hideki Matsuyama at The Open
By Ali Stafford at Troon
Last Updated: 11/07/16 11:28pm
Rory McIlroy will begin his Open bid alongside Bubba Watson and Hideki Matsuyama for the opening two rounds, while Colin Montgomerie will hit the historic opening tee shot live on Sky Sports.
The 2014 champion, who missed last year's tournament through an ankle injury, will start his pursuit for a fifth major title at 9.36am on Thursday, as world No 1 Jason Day starts his week in the previous group with Rickie Fowler and Danny Willett.
Montgomerie, who came through qualifying at Gailes Links, will get the tournament underway when he hits the opening tee shot, televised live for the very first time, at 6.35am.
The 53-year-old, who is an honorary member at Troon, has been grouped alongside last year's joint runner-up, Marc Leishman, and former world No 1 Luke Donald for the first two days.
Jordan Spieth features in an all-star threeball with Justin Rose and Ireland's Shane Lowry, while reigning US Open champion Dustin Johnson makes up one of the afternoon featured groups at 2.04pm with Martin Kaymer and Russell Knox.
Defending champion Zach Johnson, who secured his second major title via a play-off at St Andrews last year, starts his Claret Jug defence in the following group with Adam Scott and Henrik Stenson.
Selected tee times:
6.35am - Colin Montgomerie, Marc Leishman (Aus), Luke Donald
9.03am - Jordan Spieth (USA), Justin Rose, Shane Lowry (Irl)
9.25am - Danny Willett, Rickie Fowler (USA), Jason Day (Aus)
9.36am - Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama (Jpn), Bubba Watson (USA)
1.26pm - Phil Mickelson (USA), Lee Westwood, Ernie Els (Rsa)
2.04pm - Dustin Johnson (USA), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Russell Knox
2.15pm - Zach Johnson (USA), Adam Scott (USA), Henrik Stenson (Swe)
Watch the Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports The Open. Daily preview shows are live from Monday to Wednesday, with full coverage beginning on Thursday from 6.30am.
