Royal Birkdale sees Jackson Suber take early lead at The Open

By Kwame Ofori — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

Suber’s Strong Start at Royal Birkdale

Jackson Suber, making his debut at The Open and his first visit to Europe, has taken an early lead at Royal Birkdale. The American golfer carded a five-under-par 65 on the opening day. His round included a birdie-eagle run late in the play, propelling him to the top of the leaderboard.

Suber’s performance marks a notable start, especially given that he only played his first round of links golf on Monday. He has never won on the PGA Tour and his highest major finish previously was 73rd. Suber expressed that he felt more comfortable on the back nine of the course.

The 26-year-old from Tampa, Florida, had an eventful round. He experienced a birdie-bogey-birdie-bogey sequence between holes 5 and 8, which brought him back to his starting position at the turn. However, back-to-back birdies at holes 10 and 11 helped him regain momentum. He followed these with more birdies at 14 and 16, culminating in an eagle at the par-five 17th hole. This eagle, achieved after a spiralling approach from the rough that landed within seven feet of the hole, was crucial in securing his leading position.

Daniel Brown of England and Sungjae Im are both one shot behind Suber, having each carded opening-round 66s. Brown, who previously led at Royal Troon two years ago, made three consecutive birdies at holes 8, 9, and 10. Im, a South Korean golfer, recorded only one bogey during his impressive first round, which included successful putts of 12 and 20 feet at holes 4 and 10.

Chasing Pack and McIlroy’s Challenge

A group of players are two shots off the pace, including Bryson DeChambeau, who posted a three-under 67. DeChambeau, who had missed the cut in his last three majors, demonstrated a strategic approach, focusing on placing the ball in advantageous positions. Despite a final-hole bogey, he felt his strategy was effective, though he aims to hit more fairways.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, playing alongside DeChambeau, started strongly with four birdies in his first six holes. However, bogeys at holes 7 and 17 affected his progress, leading to an opening round of two-under 68. Scheffler, the world No. 1, is looking to become the first back-to-back winner since Padraig Harrington.

Rory McIlroy faced a challenging start to his bid for a seventh major title, finishing the first round with a two-over 72. McIlroy struggled on the greens, bogeying both par-fives and both par-threes on his front nine, including a three-putt bogey at the seventh. His putting difficulties continued with a missed four-foot birdie chance at the eighth. Despite a birdie at the par-four ninth, he began his second nine with back-to-back bogeys.

McIlroy did show resilience, making a 25-foot birdie at the 13th. However, he then bogeyed the par-five next and followed a birdie at the par-three 15th with a blemish at the par-five 17th. A sensational shot from a greenside bunker at the 17th did not result in a par, but a brilliant birdie at the last hole left him seven shots behind the leader, Suber. McIlroy acknowledged his mistakes but expressed optimism for better conditions and a stronger performance on the second day to get back into contention.

Other notable players include Tommy Fleetwood, who battled to an opening-round 69, placing him alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm. Francesco Molinari, the 2018 champion, also posted a three-under-par 67. Justin Rose, however, faces a significant challenge after a five-over 75, putting him in danger of missing the cut. Matt Fitzpatrick is also seven shots back, alongside McIlroy.

Source: skysports.com