2026 British Open Round 1 updates: Scottie Scheffler off to fast start in title defense

Round 1 of the 2026 British Open is underway at Royal Birkdale in Southport, with play beginning at 6:35 a.m. local time when Matthew Baldwin hit the first tee shot. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is among the early starters, along with marquee groupings featuring Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy. Early scoring has been subdued, with Robert MacIntyre picking up birdies before dropping a shot at the eighth, while 54-year-old David Duval reached the turn at even par.