Jackson Suber takes surprise first-round lead at British Open

LONDON: American golfer Jackson Suber emerged as the unexpected leader after the opening round of the British Open, carding a five-under-par round to move one shot clear at the top of the leaderboard.

Suber, ranked 115th in the world and playing only his third major, finished ahead of England's Daniel Brown and South Korea's Im Sung-jae. The 26-year-old had reached the turn at level par before surging over the next eight holes, collecting five shots and capping his round with an eagle at the 17th.

Speaking after what was his first competitive round at the British Open, Suber said his experience of links golf was extremely limited before the tournament.

Monday was my first round of links golf, so I've played 27 holes before I played the first round today. I've never been to Europe.

He said his round gathered momentum on the back nine.

Things just really started going after the birdie on 10. I just felt like the momentum was really in my favour.

Scheffler among the chasing pack

World number one Scottie Scheffler opened his title defence with a two-under-par 68, leaving him well placed among a group of major champions in pursuit of the lead. Scheffler looked sharp early, making four birdies in five holes from the second through the sixth, but bogeys at the seventh and the par-five 17th checked his progress. He narrowly missed another birdie at the last when his putt stopped just short.

Scheffler said he was pleased with much of his play despite not converting more chances late in the round.

I got off to a hot start in the round today and wasn't able to make as many birdies as I would have hoped to down the stretch.

He added, "If I continue to strike the ball the way I did today and just keep giving myself looks, that's part of it. Golf is played over 72 holes, and I definitely liked what I saw today."

Scheffler's round came after his run of 78 successive cuts made over four years ended at last week's Scottish Open. He has not won on the PGA Tour since January.

DeChambeau well placed as McIlroy struggles

Bryson DeChambeau also made a strong start with an opening 67, putting himself in position to end a run of missed cuts in the previous three majors this year. The two-time US Open champion, who has often found links conditions difficult at the British Open, could benefit further with fair weather forecast over the next three days.

DeChambeau said he was encouraged by his opening round.

There's still a lot of golf to be played, but, ultimately from my perspective, I was really excited about the way I played.

World number four Cameron Young also finished at three under, leaving himself in contention after the first day.

Rory McIlroy, however, endured a difficult round as he tries to end a 12-year wait to win his home major. He posted a two-over-par 72, leaving his challenge under pressure after a performance that included six bogeys, among them dropped shots on both par fives. McIlroy and the later starters faced tougher conditions as the wind increased and the already firm course became drier after very little rain in recent weeks.

McIlroy said mistakes cost him during the round.

Just too many stupid mistakes. But every time I made a stupid mistake, thankfully I made a birdie to sort of keep myself in it.

He added, "Not too far away. Hopefully we'll get the better conditions tomorrow and maybe the greens are a little bit smoother in the morning."

McIlroy now faces a fight in Friday's second round to avoid missing the cut for only the second time in his last 15 majors. Matt Fitzpatrick, who played alongside him, also signed for a 72 despite being one of the stronger performers on the PGA Tour this year.