Full Breakdown
Scheffler’s Rough-Grass Recovery Fuels Strong Opening at the Open Championship
7/17/2026, 1:14:04 AM
Opening Round Overview
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, defending champion of the Open, posted a 2-under 68 in the first round of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, tying for 10th place. After an early surge of four birdies in the first six holes, Scheffler’s ball landed deep in heavy rough on the 17th fairway, forcing a difficult recovery that resulted in a bogey on the hole that played as the easiest of the day.
Performance Details
Scheffler’s round featured birdies on holes 2, 3, 5 and 6, a bogey on the par-3 7th, and nine consecutive pars before the 17th-hole mishap. He finished the day with a hot start, having shot under par in a major championship for the first round. Bryson DeChambeau, playing alongside Scheffler, recorded a 3-under 67 to share third place, posting five birdies and a single bogey on the 18th.
Official Comments from Scheffler
Scheffler explained his mindset after the rough-grass incident, noting his hope that another player might have stepped on the ball and his decision against taking a penalty. He emphasized the value of an under-par start and expressed satisfaction with his overall play, saying he “definitely liked what I saw today.”
Criticism of DeChambeau’s Strategy
Three-time Open champion Nick Faldo publicly rebuked DeChambeau for “being overly aggressive on links courses,” stating, “I’d say it to his face — he has zero clue of strategy.” DeChambeau responded that he was “incredibly strategic and focused” and found his performance “definitely satisfying,” while acknowledging the need for continued focus over the remaining three days.
Data & Statistics
- Scheffler: 68 (-2), tied 10th; birdies 4, bogeys 2 (7th, 17th).
- DeChambeau: 67 (-3), tied 3rd; birdies 5, bogey 1 (18th).
- Historical note: Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw were the last multiple-major winners (1998) to start a major with a cut in each of the four events.
These details illustrate how Scheffler’s resilience on a challenging lie contributed to a solid opening performance, while strategic debates surround DeChambeau’s approach on the links.
