Jackson Suber Leads The Open Championship After First Round
American Jackson Suber posted a five-under 65 to top the leaderboard at Royal Birkdale, with Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy among those trailing.
Jackson Suber, 26, opened the 2026 Open Championship with a five-under 65, securing the sole 18-hole lead at Royal Birkdale. The American recorded six birdies and an eagle, finishing one stroke ahead of Sungjae Im and Daniel Brown, while a group including Bryson DeChambeau was two shots back.
DeChambeau posted a three-under round, highlighted by early birdies and a total of four birdies on the back nine, but finished with two bogeys in the final five holes. The two-time U.S. Open champion, who last made the cut at a major a year ago, will aim to maintain his form to stay in contention.
Rory McIlroy struggled with a two-over 72 and will need to improve his play on Friday to rejoin the leaders. Suber, playing his third major, will look to reduce the bogeys that cost him three strokes while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
"We need to clean up the bogeys and keep taking advantage of the easier holes," Suber said after his round.
The tournament remains open, with players aiming to sustain their performance over the remaining rounds.