Golf

The Open 2026: Jackson Suber’s 65 Leads at Royal Birkdale as Scottie Scheffler Flies Out of the Blocks

By Marcus Reyes · July 17, 2026 · 7:02 am

Jackson Suber shoots a stunning 65 to lead The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale while Scottie Scheffler makes a flying start in the first round of the prestigious golf major. — Royal Birkdale is delivering drama from the very first round! Jackson Suber fired a brilliant 65 to take the early lead at The Open Championship 2026 while world number one Scottie Scheffler also made a flying start to put himself in contention for the Claret Jug.

The 154th Open Championship is under way at Royal Birkdale, and the final men’s major of the year opened with a surprise name at the top of the leaderboard. American Jackson Suber fired a superb five-under-par 65 in benign, warm conditions on the Southport links to lead after Round 1 — but with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lurking ominously, the chasing pack knows the real test is only just beginning.

Suber sets the pace

Suber’s round was headlined by a stunning approach to the 17th that set up an eagle and lifted him one clear of the field. His 65 put him a shot ahead of Sungjae Im and England’s Daniel Brown, who each carded 66 on a day when the famously demanding Birkdale layout, softened by calm weather, gave up its share of low numbers.

Scheffler in the mix

The most ominous sight for the rest of the field was Scottie Scheffler making an early charge. The world No. 1 raced to four birdies in his opening six holes to move to four under and into immediate contention. When the best player on the planet starts a major that fast, everyone else takes notice — and Scheffler’s blend of ball-striking and course management is tailor-made for the strategic demands of links golf.

The Birkdale test

Royal Birkdale is one of the most respected venues on the Open rota, a classic links where the wind is the great leveller. Round 1’s gentle conditions flattered the scoring, but Open weeks rarely stay calm for long. If the breeze picks up over the weekend, the low numbers will dry up quickly and patience will become the most valuable club in the bag. Early leaders at Birkdale have often been reeled in by the game’s biggest names once the weather turns.

What to watch

Suber will look to prove his opening 65 was no fluke and handle the pressure of leading a major, while Im and Brown sit perfectly placed to pounce. But all eyes will be on Scheffler: if he stays in touch through the middle rounds, the Claret Jug conversation may quickly narrow to a single name. The tournament runs through Sunday, 19 July, with four rounds to separate the champion golfer of the year from the rest.

Follow Prime Hunt Daily for round-by-round leaderboard updates from Royal Birkdale.