Jacob Skov Olesen, Li Haotong, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Harris English share the lead after a wild, weather-hit first round at the 2025 British Open.
The 2025 British Open teed off in wild weather at Royal Portrush, and if Round 1 is any clue, we’re in for a chaotic classic.
Five players — Jacob Skov Olesen, Li Haotong, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Harris English — are tied at the top after shooting four-under-par 67s, navigating wind, rain, and a moody Dunluce Links course that never makes life easy.
From world number 354 dropping bombs to fan favorites grinding through brutal back nines, the leaderboard is spicy — and wide open.
Who’s Leading After Round One?
🇩🇰 Jacob Skov Olesen (DEN)
Qualifying for the Open is impressive enough. Then Olesen pulled up and drained a 40-foot birdie on the first hole, added an eagle at 12, and still walked off frustrated after bogeying 18.
“Obviously, annoyed to finish off with a bogey… But it happens,” he said.
Still, when you’re No. 354 in the world and tied for the Open lead? You’re doing something right.
🇨🇳 Li Haotong (CHN)
Li carded a clean, bogey-free round, full of steady birdies and ice-cold putting. The world No. 111 has a past Open pedigree — finishing third in 2017 — and clearly came to play.
“I think I had 18 highlights today… It’s very tough, brutal,” Li said.
🏴 Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG)
The 2022 U.S. Open champ came out swinging with an eagle on the 2nd and added three birdies for his share of the lead.
“Drove it well, approach play was good… just an all around good day,” he said. Classic Fitz.
🇿🇦 Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) & 🇺🇸 Harris English (USA)
Both matched 67s with rock-solid ball striking and cool putting performances — models of consistency on a day when the weather could’ve eaten anyone alive.
Big Names in the Mix
🇺🇸 Scottie Scheffler (3-under)
The world No. 1 was surgical down the stretch, birdieing 16 and 17 with dazzling irons.
“Only had one swing I wasn’t too happy with,” Scheffler said. That’s scary… for everyone else.
🇬🇧 Rory McIlroy (1-under)
McIlroy’s round was pure rollercoaster energy. A first-hole bogey, a fiery stretch to go 3-under through 10, then a cold spell with three bogeys in four holes. He rallied late to stay in the red.
“I steadied the ship well… nice to shoot under par,” McIlroy said, staying chill despite the turbulence.
The fans were hoping for fireworks, but there’s still plenty of time for Rory to ignite.
🧊 Notables at 3-under:
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Matthew Jordan
- Sadom Kaewkanjana
At 2-under, we’ve got a stacked group including Rickie Fowler, Brian Harman, Justin Rose, Nicolai Hojgaard, and even Lee Westwood, who’s apparently not done yet.
Phil Mickelson’s Magic Moment
55-year-old Phil Mickelson put on a vintage display, carding an even-par 70 highlighted by a bonkers bunker hole-out to save par.
“It was obviously a lot of luck… I was just trying to save bogey,” he said with a grin.
That’s why Lefty still draws a crowd.
Weather Woes
Players had to contend with early sunshine turning to cold wind and rain, turning Royal Portrush into a test of patience and waterproof gear. The forecast promises more drama — so don’t expect this leaderboard to stay still for long.
Summary:
- 5-way tie at 4-under after Round 1
- Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and other big names in close pursuit
- Weather is already causing chaos — and we love it
- Cheeky qualifiers and former champs alike are making noise
Stay locked in — this Open is shaping up to be a grind for the ages. And with weather, nerves, and legends in play, we might be in for a final round classic at Portrush. 🏆⛳🌧️
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