British Open Golf Championship

Jackson Suber of the United States putts win the 18th green during the first day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Thursday, July 16, 2026.

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Jackson Suber leads a day of surprises at Birkdale with a 65 in his first British Open

Jackson Suber leads a day of surprises at Birkdale with a 65 in his first British Open

So much focus was on the new Royal Birkdale. What the British Open delivered Thursday was a bunch of newcomers. Leading the way is Jackson Suber. This not only is his first time on links golf, it's his first time to Europe. But the 26-year-old American delivered superb shots at the end of his 65 to lead over Dan Brown and Sungjae Im. Bryson DeChambeau quietly had a 67. He was joined by four players in the British Open for the first time. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 68. Rory McIlroy had a rough day on the greens for 72.