How did Bryson DeChambeau perform in the opening round of The Open Championship?

Bryson DeChambeau shot a 3-under 67 in the first round, placing him one shot behind the early leaders at Royal Birkdale.

Who are the early leaders at The Open Championship?

Sungjae Im and Dan Brown are the early leaders, both posting scores of 4-under 66.

What was Scottie Scheffler's score in the first round?

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished his opening round with a 2-under 68.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJul 28, 2026, 8:01 AM ET

DeChambeau's Driver Strategy Puts Him One Shot Off Early Open Championship Lead

Bryson DeChambeau employed an aggressive driver strategy to card a 3-under 67, placing him just one stroke behind the early leaders at Royal Birkdale.

Bryson DeChambeau demonstrated a clear strategy at Royal Birkdale, frequently utilizing his driver to navigate around the course's challenging bunkers. This approach proved effective, as he posted a 3-under 67 in the opening round of The Open Championship, positioning him one shot shy of the clubhouse lead. DeChambeau, currently priced at +2200 (FanDuel), has faced struggles in majors this year, missing the cut in all three prior events.

The early lead was claimed by Sungjae Im, who is listed at +9000 (Bovada), and Dan Brown, both carding 4-under 66s. These scores were achieved despite a mild wind that later intensified and shifted directions, impacting later tee times, including that of Rory McIlroy.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished his round with a 2-under 68. Scheffler, a leading contender at +500 (Bovada), started strong with four birdies in his first six holes but did not record another birdie for the remainder of his round. He also incurred two bogeys and played the back-nine par-5s at 1-over. Scheffler expressed confidence in his ball-striking, stating, "If I continue to strike the ball the way I did today and just keep giving myself looks, that’s part of it. Golf is played over 72 holes, and I definitely liked what I saw today."

Rory McIlroy, another prominent player with odds at +750 (FanDuel), began his tournament as conditions grew more challenging. DeChambeau, for his part, opted not to speak with the media after his round, a pattern he has maintained during competition rounds at majors this season.

Compare the odds

The Open Championship odds →Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy Bryson DeChambeau Sungjae Im

FAQ

How did Bryson DeChambeau perform in the opening round of The Open Championship?: Bryson DeChambeau shot a 3-under 67 in the first round, placing him one shot behind the early leaders at Royal Birkdale.
Who are the early leaders at The Open Championship?: Sungjae Im and Dan Brown are the early leaders, both posting scores of 4-under 66.
What was Scottie Scheffler's score in the first round?: Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished his opening round with a 2-under 68.