World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler faced a challenging situation in the opening round of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. His approach shot on the 17th fairway landed deep in the rough, underneath a wire, prompting a wish that "somebody stepped on it." Despite the difficult lie, Scheffler managed to get his ball out, ultimately bogeying the par-5 hole.

Scheffler posted a 2-under 68, tying him for 10th place after the early wave. He started strong with birdies on four of his first six holes, reaching 4-under before a bogey on the seventh. His putter cooled later in the round, but he expressed satisfaction with his start, noting the importance of striking the ball well over the 72-hole tournament.

Meanwhile, Bryson De Chambeau shot a 3-under 67, placing him in a tie for third. De Chambeau, using custom 3D-printed irons, balanced a bogey with five birdies. His performance came after criticism from Nick Faldo regarding his course strategy. De Chambeau emphasized his strategic approach, aiming to avoid missing cuts in all four majors this season, a feat not achieved by a multiple-major winner in 28 years.