The Open: Rory McIlroy struggles in first round as Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler chase shock leader Jackson Suber
Jackson Suber has taken a surprise lead at The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale after an impressive opening round. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy struggled early, while Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler remain in contention.
Why it matters
The Open is one of golf's four major championships, and early leaderboard shifts significantly impact the narrative of the tournament's outcome.
Bryson DeChambeau and defending champion Scottie Scheffler both made encouraging starts to The 154th Open, as Rory McIlroy’s major hopes suffered an early setback. <p>Jackson Suber marked his Open debut and first visit to Europe by grabbing a shock major lead at Royal Birkdale, with a birdie-eagle run late in his round seeing him post a five-under 65.</p><p>Dan Brown and his playing partner Sungjae Im had set the initial target after carding opening-round 66s earlier in the day, with DeChambeau one of 10 players two off the pace after beginning his bid to avoid a fourth consecutive major missed cut with a three-under 67.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13563608/the-open-2026-leaderboard-latest-golf-scores-from-royal-birkdale-and-weather-tee-times-for-final-mens-major-of-the-year">The Open: Latest leaderboard and scores </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13561596/the-open-2026-tv-coverage-royal-birkdale-schedule-start-times-featured-groups-and-how-to-watch-or-stream-major-on-sky-sports">When is The Open on Sky?
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