Bezuidenhout shares Open lead

Stimpmeter · July 18, 2025, 6:00am

South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout carded a superb four-under-par 67 to share The Open clubhouse lead on Thursday and put himself in early contention for a maiden Major title.

Bezuidenhout produced one of his finest rounds at a Major, mixing three birdies and an eagle with a lone bogey to finish tied at the top alongside former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, China’s Li Haotong, Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen and American Harris English.

His compatriot Dean Burmester opened with a one-over 71, while Shaun Norris and former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel each carded one-over 72s.

Justin Walters struggled to a two-over 73 alongside Thriston Lawrence. Dylan Naidoo was further back after signing a three-over 74.

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler made a confident start to his bid for a first Open title, posting a three-under 68 on a wet and windy Thursday at Royal Portrush – just one shot behind a five-way tie for the lead.

Scheffler, seeking a fourth Major, overcame erratic driving to stay in the hunt. The American found only three fairways but showcased clinical iron play and composure in tough conditions.

“When it’s raining sideways, it’s actually, believe it or not, not that easy to get the ball in the fairway,” Scheffler said. “Thank you guys all for pointing that out.”

Birdies at the 3rd, 7th and 10th holes kept The Masters champion ticking over before he added another at the infamous par-three 16th, “Calamity Corner”, and nearly holed out for eagle at the par-four 17th.

Scheffler’s performance came just a day after making headlines for his introspective remarks that his relentless pursuit of trophies did not make for “a fulfilling life”.

Rory McIlroy, under the weight of home expectations and memories of his first-round 79 here in 2019, battled to a one-under 70 after a turbulent start and mid-round wobble.

After bogeying the 1st, the world No 2 found form with birdies at the par-five 2nd, par-four 5th, 7th and 10th holes to move to three under. But loose tee shots led to dropped shots at the 11th, par-five 12th and 14th. A birdie at the 17th helped the Northern Irishman finish three shots back.

“I feel the support of an entire country out there, which is a wonderful position to be in,” said McIlroy. “But at the same time, you don’t want to let them down … I dealt with it better than I did six years ago.”

Tyrrell Hatton leads the English charge at three under, with countryman Justin Rose just behind after a bogey-free 69.

2019 champion Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm both signed for one-under 70s, while defending champion Xander Schauffele posted an even-par round of 71.

But it was a dismal day for Bryson DeChambeau, whose seven-over 78 leaves him in danger of missing the cut.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington had the honour of hitting the opening tee shot at 6:35am. However, spectators endured a long day as slow play saw rounds stretch past six hours.

US Open winner JJ Spaun was given a “bad time” warning on the 17th, while Australia’s Marc Leishman lamented, “Felt like we were on the golf course for about 12 hours.”

Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

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