The Open 2026: Rory McIlroy Struggles, Suber Leads at Birkdale 2026

James Northwood
The Open 2026: Rory McIlroy Struggles, Suber Leads at Birkdale
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Rory McIlroy made a slow start at The Open 2026, shooting an opening round of 72, while Suber took an early lead at Birkdale with a stunning -5 performance. The first round delivered surprises and set the stage for an exciting weekend.

Rory McIlroy's Opening Round Analysis

McIlroy reflected on his round, noting positives like driving the ball incredibly well and birdieing holes 13, 15, and 18 on the back nine. However, he admitted struggles with the speed of the greens and two bogeys on par-5s. “Not too far away,” he said, hoping for better conditions tomorrow.


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Key Stats from Round One

Player Score Position
Suber -5 1st
Im -4 T2
Brown -4 T2
Rory McIlroy +2 T45

Suber's Surprising Lead

Suber, who has only played one and a half rounds of links golf, leads the championship. His performance has turned heads, proving that experience isn't everything at Birkdale. Bryson DeChambeau also impressed with a -3 round, saying, “I’m having a lot of fun.”

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Other Notable Performances

  • Bryson DeChambeau shot -3 and experimented with two putters after his round.
  • Padraig Harrington showed resilience after a tough start.
  • Robert MacIntyre and Francesco Molinari are in contention at -3.

What to Expect Tomorrow

McIlroy plans to focus on positives and avoid overanalyzing. With better conditions expected, he aims to shoot a low score and get back in contention. The leaderboard remains tight, with multiple players within striking distance.

FAQ

What was Rory McIlroy's score in the first round of The Open 2026?

Rory McIlroy shot an opening round of 72, leaving him at +2 and tied for 45th place.

Who is leading The Open 2026 after round one?

Suber leads the championship with a score of -5 after the first round at Birkdale.

What did Bryson DeChambeau say after his round?

DeChambeau said he was having fun and hoped to give the crowd something to cheer for on Sunday. He also experimented with two putters after his round.

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Stay tuned for more updates from The Open 2026 as the weekend approaches. Will McIlroy bounce back? Can Suber hold the lead? Join us tomorrow for live coverage.

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James Northwood

Author

James Northwood

James Northwood is a PGA-certified golf instructor with over 20 years of coaching experience at elite clubs across the United States. He has contributed instructional articles to Golf Digest and regularly appears as a guest analyst on national golf podcasts. James’s deep knowledge of swing mechanics and player development ensures readers receive expert, actionable advice.


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