SOUTHPORT, England — Forecasts leading into the 154th Open Championship suggested the wind might not play its customary starring role at Royal Birkdale, raising questions about whether the course’s firm and fast conditions alone would provide a sufficient test. After the opening round, there was little doubt.
Unheralded American Jackson Suber emerged as the surprise first-round leader at 5-under par after an eagle on the 17th propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. But scoring proved anything but easy. Just 24 of the 156 players in the field finished under par, underscoring that Royal Birkdale remains every bit the championship test—even without the punishing winds often associated with The Open.
The calmer morning conditions provided a noticeable advantage. Nine of the 12 players at 3-under or better teed off before the afternoon breeze strengthened, allowing them to capitalize on the day’s most favorable scoring conditions. Daniel Brown and Sungjae Im each posted 4-under 66s, while Robert MacIntyre and Bryson DeChambeau opened with matching 3-under 67s to firmly position themselves in the early title chase.
World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler sits just three shots off the lead after an opening-round 68. Scheffler appeared poised to challenge for the outright lead after birdieing four of his first six holes, but the momentum stalled as he played his final 12 holes two over. England’s Tommy Fleetwood also battled through an uneven start before recovering with a 1-under 69, keeping the local favorite well within striking distance heading into Friday.
Several of the tournament’s biggest names found Royal Birkdale far less accommodating. Masters champion Rory McIlroy and another betting favorite Matt Fitzpatrick each opened with a 2-over 72, immediately putting themselves in catch-up mode. For McIlroy, the issue wasn’t ball-striking but the putter, as a series of short missed putts prevented him from building any momentum throughout the round.
Jordan Spieth, who lifted the Claret Jug the last time The Open was held at Royal Birkdale, also struggled to find his rhythm. The three-time major champion signed for a 3-over 73 after an uncharacteristically cold day on the greens, leaving him with work to do heading into Friday.
As the championship heads into Friday, the early starters will have another opportunity to capitalize on the calmer conditions before the wind is expected to strengthen later in the day. If the forecast holds, the morning wave could tighten an already crowded leaderboard and set the stage for a compelling weekend at Royal Birkdale, where one low round has the potential to reshape the championship.
Current Leaderboard
- 1. Jackson Suber: -5 (F)
- T2. Daniel Brown: -4 (F)
- T2. Sungjae Im: -4 (F)
- T4. Pierceson Coody: -3 (F)
- T4. Thomas Detry: -3 (F)
- T4. Robert MacIntyre: -3 (F)
- T4: Francesco Molinari: -3 (F)
- T4. Alex Smalley: -3 (F)
- T4. Bryson DeChambeau: -3 (F)
- T4. Ryan Gerard: -3 (F)
- T4. MJ Daffue: -3 (F)
- T4. Cameron Young: -3 (F)
- T13. Scottie Scheffler: -2 (F)
- T13. Collin Morikawa: -2 (F)
- T13. Bud Cauley: -2 (F)
- T13. Ryo Hisatsune: -2 (F)
- T13. Si Woo Kim: -2 (F)
- T13. Joakim Lagergren: -2 (F)
Round 2 on Friday, July 17
- 1:30-4 a.m.: Open Championship (Peacock)
- 4 a.m.-3:30 p.m: Open Championship (USA Network)
- 3:30-5:30 p.m: Live From The Open