Rory McIlroy Struggles at Open 2026: Suber Leads Birkdale 2026

Rory McIlroy made a slow start at The Open 2026, shooting an opening round of 72 at Royal Birkdale, while surprise leader Suber surged to the top of the leaderboard at five under par. The first day of the championship delivered drama and unexpected twists, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend.

McIlroy’s Mixed Opening Round

McIlroy, a fan favorite, carded a level-par 72 after a round that included both brilliance and frustration. He said, “I drove the ball incredibly well. I took the golf course on off the tee.” However, he admitted, “The two bogeys on the par-5s weren’t great and I struggled to get the speed of the greens.” The Northern Irishman remains optimistic, noting, “Not too far away. Hopefully we’ll get the better conditions tomorrow.”

Suber’s Surprise Lead

The story of the day was Suber, a player with limited links experience, who posted a five-under 67 to lead by one shot. His performance defied pre-tournament expectations that links experience would be essential. Suber’s steady play and fearless approach have made him the man to beat heading into round two.

Leaderboard Snapshot

Key Takeaways from Round One

• Rory McIlroy needs to improve his putting and par-5 scoring to contend.
• Suber leads despite minimal links experience, proving form can override course knowledge.
• Bryson DeChambeau is in the mix at -3 and may switch putters after practice.
• The leaderboard is tightly packed, with 12 players within two shots of the lead.

What to Expect on Day Two

McIlroy plans to focus on positives and avoid over-analysis tonight. “I’m not going to go back to the house and analyze it too much tonight. Again, focus on the positives,” he said. Meanwhile, Suber will aim to handle the pressure of leading a major. The morning conditions may favor early starters, offering a chance for McIlroy to climb the leaderboard.

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