Who is leading The Open Championship after Round 1?

Jackson Suber leads The Open Championship after the first round, posting a score of 5-under 65 at Royal Birkdale.

Which notable players are chasing the leader at The Open Championship?

Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Collin Morikawa are among the top players closely trailing Jackson Suber after the first round.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJul 30, 2026, 5:03 AM ET

Underdog Jackson Suber Leads Open Championship; Scheffler, Top Contenders in Pursuit

Ole Miss alum Jackson Suber holds a surprising lead after the first round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, with several of golf's top players closely trailing.

The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale saw an unexpected leader emerge from the first round, as Jackson Suber, a lesser-known American golfer, posted an impressive 5-under 65. Suber navigated challenging afternoon conditions to secure the top spot, setting the stage for an intriguing second round where he will be chased by some of the sport's most prominent figures, including Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Collin Morikawa.

Suber's strong start gives him a one-shot advantage heading into Friday's play. He leads Sungjae Im and Daniel Brown, who are both positioned just behind him. Despite his current lead, Suber is listed at +6500 (Bovada) to win the tournament, reflecting his underdog status against a field of seasoned professionals. Sungjae Im, a consistent performer, is currently priced at +8000 (FanDuel).

Among the elite players looking to close the gap, Scottie Scheffler remains a strong favorite, with his odds currently standing at +500 (Bovada). Bryson DeChambeau, who has demonstrated his major championship capabilities, is also in contention at +2200 (FanDuel). Collin Morikawa, a past major winner, is another top player to watch, with his price at +2500 (Bovada) as he aims to make a move up the leaderboard.

Round 2 is also cut day at Royal Birkdale, meaning the field of 156 golfers will be reduced to the top 70 players and ties for the weekend rounds. Several high-profile players are facing pressure to perform well to avoid an early exit. Rory McIlroy, a fan favorite, is currently at +750 (FanDuel) but needs a solid round. Jordan Spieth, another major champion, is priced at +8000 (FanDuel), while Matt Fitzpatrick is at +2500 (Bovada). Justin Rose is also among those who will need to improve their position to make the cut.

With the cut line looming and top contenders aiming to assert themselves, the second round of The Open Championship promises significant movement and high stakes as players battle for position ahead of the weekend.

Compare the odds

The Open Championship odds →Jackson Suber Collin Morikawa Matt Fitzpatrick Daniel Brown Justin Rose Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy Bryson DeChambeau Jordan Spieth Sungjae Im

FAQ

Who is leading The Open Championship after Round 1?: Jackson Suber leads The Open Championship after the first round, posting a score of 5-under 65 at Royal Birkdale.
Which notable players are chasing the leader at The Open Championship?: Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Collin Morikawa are among the top players closely trailing Jackson Suber after the first round.
What is at stake in Round 2 of The Open Championship?: Round 2 is cut day at The Open Championship, where the field will be reduced to the top 70 players and ties for the weekend. Several prominent golfers are in danger of missing the cut.