Who led Day 1 of The Open Championship?

Jackson Suber took the early lead on Day 1 of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after shooting a round of 65.

Which players surprised on Day 1 of The Open?

Jackson Suber's early lead was a surprise, as were strong performances from Bryson DeChambeau, Francesco Molinari, and Henrik Stenson, who were all tied for fourth.

Where was The Open Championship held this week?

The Open Championship was held at Royal Birkdale this week.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJul 30, 2026, 11:01 AM ET

Unexpected Leaders Emerge on Day 1 of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

The opening round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale delivered several surprising performances, with lesser-known players and veterans exceeding expectations.

The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale began with an unexpected leaderboard, as several golfers posted strong scores that defied pre-tournament predictions. Day 1 saw a mix of rising talents and seasoned veterans making early statements, setting a tone of unpredictability for the major championship.

Among the most notable surprises was Jackson Suber, who carded an impressive 65 to claim the early lead. His performance positioned him ahead of many established names, marking a significant start to his tournament. Suber's current price to win The Open is +7000 (FanDuel), reflecting the long odds associated with an unheralded player leading a major.

Bryson DeChambeau also delivered a strong showing, finishing Day 1 tied for fourth after shooting a 67. DeChambeau's round was considered a surprise by some observers, given the competitive field. His current price stands at +2200 (FanDuel).

Other unexpected names near the top of the leaderboard included Francesco Molinari and Henrik Stenson, both also tied for fourth. Molinari, who has faced a challenging period since the 2019 Masters, showed glimpses of his past form on a course that some compared to Carnoustie. Stenson, ranked outside the world's top 1,600 and without an OWGR-recorded start since last year's Open, also made a surprising ascent up the leaderboard, demonstrating that experience can still play a significant role.

Compare the odds

The Open Championship odds →Jackson Suber Bryson DeChambeau Henrik Stenson Francesco Molinari

FAQ

Who led Day 1 of The Open Championship?: Jackson Suber took the early lead on Day 1 of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after shooting a round of 65.
Which players surprised on Day 1 of The Open?: Jackson Suber's early lead was a surprise, as were strong performances from Bryson DeChambeau, Francesco Molinari, and Henrik Stenson, who were all tied for fourth.
Where was The Open Championship held this week?: The Open Championship was held at Royal Birkdale this week.