World No 1 Scottie Scheffler made a strong start to his bid for a first Open title with a three-under 68 on a rain-hit Thursday at Royal Portrush, leaving him one shot off the early lead.
Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, China’s Li Haotong and Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen posted four under to top the leaderboard after taking advantage of calmer conditions during the early tee times.
Despite missing all but three fairways, Scheffler kept himself in contention with sharp iron play and composure in difficult weather. The American carded birdies at the 3rd, 7th and 10th holes before picking up further strokes at the daunting 16th and nearly holing out for eagle at the par-four 17th.
Scheffler is chasing a fourth Major title and could become just the second player after Tiger Woods to win The Open as the world No 1.
The 29-year-old’s performance comes a day after his introspective comments made headlines, admitting that winning “is not a fulfilling life” despite his continued success at the highest level.
2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, who triumphed the last time the tournament was played at Portrush, opened with a one under 70.
Jon Rahm is also three off the lead following a level-par opening round, while defending champion Xander Schauffele is a further shot back at even par after a mixed start to his title defence.
Rory McIlroy, playing in the marquee afternoon slot, is looking to secure a second Open title – and banish the memories of a nightmare opening round in 2019 when a quadruple-bogey at the 1st led to a 79 and a missed cut.
The world No 2 bogeyed the 1st again after an errant tee shot but responded with a birdie at the par-five 2nd to steady his round early on.
Veteran Englishman Lee Westwood, 52, rolled back the years with a two-under 69. The former world No 1 came through qualifying to make his first Open appearance since 2022.
“I love the Open Championship and I love Portrush,” said Westwood. “That’s part of the reason why I tried to qualify.”
Ireland’s two-time Open winner Padraig Harrington hit the first tee shot of the championship at 6:35am.
“The grandstand was full, the 1st fairway was full, the 1st green was full,” said Harrington. “Those crowds were spectacular at that hour of the morning. It was really great.”
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Photo: David Fitzgerald Sportsfile via Getty Images
Article Link: Scheffler makes bright start at The Open