British Open Thursday live updates, leaderboard: Scottie Scheffler is on a heater early
Scottie Scheffler begins his title defense at Royal Birkdale as the 2026 British Open kicks off with updated prize money.
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The brief
The first round of the 2026 Open Championship is underway at Royal Birkdale. Scottie Scheffler and Robert MacIntyre both recorded strong starts, though later coverage indicates Scheffler failed to capitalize on his early momentum.
Additionally, Bryson DeChambeau posted a 3-under 67. Reports from the PGA Tour, The Guardian, and ESPN emphasize Scheffler's initial pace and subsequent performance, while Fox News focuses on DeChambeau's return to form after missing three consecutive major cuts.
The Golf Channel reports that the R&A has increased the tournament's prize money by $750,000. Further updates will track the progression of the leaderboard and Rory McIlroy's steady play as the opening round concludes.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated just now.
Quick answers
How did Bryson DeChambeau perform in the first round?
He posted a 3-under 67 at Royal Birkdale.
What change was made to the 2026 Open Championship prize money?
The R&A announced a $750,000 increase.
Who is defending their title at the event?
Scottie Scheffler.
Coverage (9)
- British Open returns to a new Royal Birkdale and an old chase for the claret jug AP News · 21m ago
- The Open 2026: DeChambeau and Scheffler make strong starts on day one at Birkdale The Guardian · 21m ago
- The Open 2026: DeChambeau and Scheffler make strong starts on day one at Birkdale The Guardian · 1h ago
- The Open 2026 LIVE: First round updates, leaderboard as Scheffler fails to capitalise on good start, McIlroy goes steady ESPN · 2h ago
- Bryson DeChambeau posts 3-under 67 at Royal Birkdale to silence critics after three straight missed major cuts Fox News · 2h ago
- Open Championship 2026 prize money: R&A announces $750,000 increase Golf Channel · 4h ago
- 2026 British Open Round 1 updates: Scottie Scheffler off to fast start in title defense PGA Tour · 5h ago
- The Open 2026: Scheffler and MacIntyre make strong starts on day one at Birkdale The Guardian · 6h ago
- The Open Championship PGA Tour · 7h ago
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