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Jackson Suber Leads Royal Birkdale; Scheffler 2-Under

7/17/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Suber Leads

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot a 2-under 68 in round one at Royal Birkdale.
Jackson Suber led with a five-under 65, highlighted by a late birdie-eagle surge.
Bryson DeChambeau recorded a three-under 67 for third place.
Rory McIlroy finished two-over 72 as the 156-player field (including 11 LIV golfers) offered a $3.2 million winner’s share from a $17.75 million purse and opening-round odds of +750 for Scheffler and +900 for McIlroy.

Summary

DeChambeau Defends

Sir Nick Faldo said Bryson DeChambeau has zero clue of strategy on Sky Sports, and DeChambeau defended his approach in an R&A interview after his 67.
DeChambeau limited comments to the R&A, declined TV and press, and switched to Krank driver and a 3D-printed iron set after using a TaylorMade model.
Daniel Brown of England admitted smoking seven or eight cigarettes during his round, sparking speculation about penalties if habit continues.

History

Historical Context

Since the R&A first staged the Open at Carnoustie in 1931, the championship has repeatedly sparked equipment debates, most famously after Paul Lawrie’s 1999 victory in the 128th Open (15-18 July 1999). The 2024 Open at Royal Birkdale now pits defending champion Scottie Scheffler and power hitter Bryson DeChambeau, alongside eleven LIV Golf players, against a $3.2 million purse and renewed calls for stricter club regulations.

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Suber Leads

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot a 2-under 68 in round one at Royal Birkdale.
Jackson Suber led with a five-under 65, highlighted by a late birdie-eagle surge.
Bryson DeChambeau recorded a three-under 67 for third place.
Rory McIlroy finished two-over 72 as the 156-player field (including 11 LIV golfers) offered a $3.2 million winner’s share from a $17.75 million purse and opening-round odds of +750 for Scheffler and +900 for McIlroy.

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