Rookie Jackson Suber made a significant impact in his debut at The Open, firing a 5-under 65 to take the first-round lead at Royal Birkdale. The 24-year-old American, competing in his first European event and his first major championship, entered the tournament at 350/1 odds to win the Claret Jug but saw his odds shorten dramatically to 18/1 after his impressive performance. Suber's round included an eagle on the 17th hole.
This marks the fourth time in five years that the leader or co-leader after the first round of The Open was a player making their debut. Suber had not played a links course prior to this week.
Scottie Scheffler, the opening favorite, maintained his strong position with a 2-under 68, improving his odds from 7/1 to +450. Scheffler, the defending champion, responded to missing his first cut in 78 starts last week with four birdies on the front nine. He currently sits tied for 13th place with 10 other players.
Scheffler has consistently performed in major championships, finishing in the top 15 in all three previous majors this year and recording a top-10 finish in 10 of his last 14 major appearances.
Cameron Young is positioned as the second-best overall odds at +1050 after a round of 67. He birdied three consecutive holes from Nos. 9-11 to move into a tie for fourth. Robert MacIntyre is among the eight players tied with Young and is listed at 15/1 odds. He began his round with a 46-foot birdie putt on the first hole.
Bryson DeChambeau, who struggled in the previous three majors this year, shot a 67 as well, utilizing a more strategic approach to links golf. His odds moved from 65/1 to +1275. DeChambeau is also part of the tie for fourth place.
Rory McIlroy endured a challenging opening round, carding a 2-over 72, leaving him seven shots off the lead. He made several costly mistakes and struggled with his putting during the afternoon play.