Overview
- Jackson Suber shot a five-under 65 on Thursday to top the first-round leaderboard in his Open debut and first trip to Europe.
- Defending champion Scottie Scheffler rebounded with a steady two-under 68 and sits within three strokes of the lead after Round 1.
- Rory McIlroy struggled on the greens and finished two-over 72, leaving him seven shots back and in need of a low Saturday start to contend.
- Bryson DeChambeau and several morning starters converted calmer conditions into low scores, highlighting how firm, fast fairways and tee times shaped scoring.
- Suber’s surge has tightened betting markets and media narratives, with the week’s links conditions and shifting weather forecasts expected to decide who can sustain a charge.