Jackson Suber leads Open Championship with 65 in round one

American Jackson Suber, a 26-year-old playing in his first Open Championship and on his first-ever trip to Europe, seized a one-shot lead with a five-under-par 65 in the opening round at Royal Birkdale on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Suber, ranked 115th in the world, carded six birdies and an eagle against three bogeys on the firm Southport links, finishing his round with a crucial eagle on the par-5 17th hole.

England's Daniel Brown and South Korea's Sungjae Im are tied for second after posting rounds of 66. A large group sits two strokes off the lead at three-under, including Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Young, and Scotland's Robert MacIntyre. Defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler opened with a steady two-under 68.

Suber, who turned professional in 2022 and is still seeking his first PGA Tour win, arrived in Europe only five days ago and had never played links golf before a practice round on Monday. He credited his recent form, equipment changes, and mental preparation for his fast adaptation. After making the turn at even par, he caught fire on the back nine. Suber said the momentum swung his way after a birdie on the 10th hole and that he was simply trusting...