Im and Brown co-lead 2026 Open Championship at -4

The 2026 Open Championship began Thursday, July 16, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, marking the start of the final major tournament of the golf season. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler and world number two Rory McIlroy entered as the pre-tournament favorites, but the first round saw a crowded leaderboard with Sungjae Im and Daniel Brown setting the early pace as co-leaders at four-under par.

The opening day of the 154th Open Championship featured firm, fast conditions at the historic links course, presenting a unique challenge to the field. Thomas Detry was among the first to post a strong score, finishing his round with a three-under 67 to sit in a tie for third. He was joined at that score by several players, including Robert MacIntyre, Alex Smalley, and Scheffler himself, who birdied four of his first six holes before giving a shot back later in his round.

Other notable players made early moves. Bryson DeChambeau, who had missed the cut in the year's first three majors, opened with two early birdies to sit at two-under par. Local favorite Tommy Fleetwood, playing before a supportive home crowd, carded a steady one-under par through his opening holes....