Suber takes early lead at 2026 Open Championship as McIlroy sits out

Jackson Suber has established a one-shot lead following the first round of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. The 26-year-old former Ole Miss standout shot a five-under-par 67 on Thursday, 17 July 2026, to take the early advantage in his first trip to Europe.

Suber’s score places him ahead of Daniel Brown of England and Sungjae Im of South Korea, who are tied for second place at four-under-par. The opening round saw 154 participants compete in the 154th edition of the tournament, which typically features a field of 156 players.

The absence of Rory McIlroy from the field marks a notable shift in the early leaderboard dynamics. While the source material does not specify the reason for McIlroy’s non-participation, his absence removes a prominent figure from the contest, altering the competitive landscape for the remaining players.

Suber’s preparation for the course involved studying YouTube videos to understand the layout and nuances of Royal Birkdale. According to reports from ESPN, this method of study appears to have been effective, as Suber capitalised on scoreable early conditions to secure his position at the top of the leaderboard.

The tournament continues on Friday with Suber looking to extend his lead. The early results highlight a change in the traditional hierarchy of the event, with a lesser-known player holding the advantage over established international competitors.