Scottie Scheffler quietly puts himself in perfect position to defend Open Championship crown
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America hits a drive at the 15th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 08, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 08 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603080214
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America hits a drive at the 15th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 08, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 08 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603080214
The 154th Open title is Scottie Scheffler’s to defend. At Royal Birkdale, the World No. 1 has started at the right pace.
Scheffler, part of a marquee group alongside LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrell Hatton, teed off at 9:58 am on Thursday. The 30-year-old found his rhythm from the get-go.
“Anytime you can shoot under par to start a major championship, it's a good spot to be in,” Scheffler said in Southport. “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."
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MARCH 12: Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a tee shot on the 16th hole during THE PLAYERS Championship on March 12, 2026 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 12 PGA, Golf Herren THE PLAYERS Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260312037829
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MARCH 12: Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a tee shot on the 16th hole during THE PLAYERS Championship on March 12, 2026 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 12 PGA, Golf Herren THE PLAYERS Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260312037829
Scheffler carded a two-under 68 in the opening round. He began in full flow, scoring four birdies in the first six (tests), and took the early lead.
However, the World No.1 went on to hit two bogeys after the flying start and failed to land any birdies on the back nine. His putting went off the mark as the round progressed.
“I felt like I could have gotten a little bit more out of it, but yeah, if I continue to do what I did today (with the striking)...I'll be in a good spot as the week goes on,” Scheffler said, as reported by Golf Digest. “Golf is played over 72 (shots), and I definitely liked what I saw today.”
If the World No.1 continues in this manner, he could well be on his way to defending the title. Only 16 players have been able to achieve that feat in the major’s history.
Fans were worried about how Scheffler would respond to the missed cut last week. However, the 30-year-old saw the bright side of it.
Scottie Scheffler comments on the missed cut last week
Scheffler missed the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. Although his incredible streak came to an end, the World No.1 saw the silver lining.
“I feel at peace, yeah. I think sometimes it’s not like — it’s never the best thing to miss a cut, but like I said, sometimes having a couple days off, resetting, getting some time away,” Scheffler said in an interview, accessed by ASAP Sports.
Scheffler’s streak of 78 consecutive PGA Tour cuts ended in Scotland. It was his first missed cut since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship. However, it also provided him with some extra time to prepare for his title defense.
It looks like Scheffler put the reset time to good use as he remains in the mix at Royal Birkdale. A fifth major on the weekend could turn his lacklustre season around.
What are your thoughts on Scheffler’s first-round performance? Share them in the comments.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Suyashdeep Sason