Scottie Scheffler has sent an early warning to the rest of the Open field after making an impressive start to his title defense at Royal Birkdale. Just days after suffering his first missed cut in almost four years at the Genesis Scottish Open, the World No. 1 quickly reminded everyone why he remains the favourite to lift the Claret Jug.
Many expected Scheffler to respond after his surprising early exit in Scotland ended his streak of 78 consecutive made cuts on the PGA Tour. The missed cut was his first since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship, making his performance at Royal Birkdale one of the biggest storylines heading into the opening round.
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The early signs at Royal Birkdale suggested he had quickly put that disappointment behind him. Scheffler played with confidence from the opening holes, making birdies early to move into contention.
Scheffler Fast Start Moves Him Into the Mix
Scheffler made his first birdie of the day at the second hole after holing a 14-foot putt. He followed it with another birdie from seven feet at the third before adding a third birdie from five feet at the fifth.
A classy chip from Scottie Scheffler sets up his third birdie of the opening round. pic.twitter.com/EsTWehJCDd
— US/UKsportsHQ (@GOsisike) July 16, 2026
His biggest moment on the front nine came at the par-4 sixth. Scheffler rolled in a superb 43-foot birdie putt to briefly move into the solo lead.
His only mistake on the outward nine came at the par-3 seventh. After chipping through the green, he dropped his first shot of the day with a bogey. Even so, he reached the turn at 3-under par, just one shot behind early leader Sungjae Im.
Defending Champion Looks Ready to Challenge Again
Scheffler also picked up another birdie at the shortened par-4 16th to stay close to the leaders as the opening round continued. Playing alongside him, Bryson DeChambeau also birdied the 16th as both Americans climbed the leaderboard.
Tyrrell Hatton, the third player in the group, also enjoyed a solid opening stretch, with the trio combining for 7-under through the first half of their rounds.
Ryan Gerard also made an early move after holing a 15-foot birdie putt on the 14th to join Sungjae Im and Daniel Brown at the top of the leaderboard during the morning session.
Scheffler arrived at Royal Birkdale looking to become the first player to successfully defend The Open Championship since Padraig Harrington won back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008. He also entered the week searching for his first victory since January.
His playing partner, Bryson DeChambeau, had different goals after missing the cut in each of the first three major championships of 2026. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth, the last player to win The Open at Royal Birkdale in 2017, was also among the early starters.
Main Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
