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McIlroy Falls Seven Shots Behind, Scheffler Stays in Contention

7/17/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

McIlroy Struggles

Rory McIlroy shot a two-over 72, falling seven shots behind leader Jackson Suber.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler carded a two-under 68, staying in contention.
Rory McIlroy missed three four-foot putts in four holes, ranking 104th in putting, and made four birdies and six bogeys.
Rory McIlroy hopes smoother Thursday morning conditions will let him shoot under par and climb back.

Summary

Suber Leads

Jackson Suber leads round one after qualifying by tying for fourth at the RBC Canadian Open.
He has two prior majors, missed the U.S. Open cut, finishing 73rd in 2024, and has earned four top-20 PGA Tour finishes, including a solo fourth at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Bryson DeChambeau posted a 3-under 67, his round after three missed cuts, as the field mixes stars like Scheffler with lesser-known players.

Summary

McIlroy Misses

Rory McIlroy entered the Open Championship as his sixth 2026 tournament, a win that would tie Harry Vardon’s record of six European majors.
He missed three four-foot putts on holes 7, 8 and 10 but birdied the 415-yard ninth and the 18th, finishing 2-over 72 and 148th in putting.
World No. 2 McIlroy drew cheers for his 18th-hole birdie, while first-round leader Jackson Suber, ranked 115th, led the field.

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McIlroy Struggles

Rory McIlroy shot a two-over 72, falling seven shots behind leader Jackson Suber.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler carded a two-under 68, staying in contention.
Rory McIlroy missed three four-foot putts in four holes, ranking 104th in putting, and made four birdies and six bogeys.
Rory McIlroy hopes smoother Thursday morning conditions will let him shoot under par and climb back.

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