The Open Championship Leaderboard: Bryson DeChambeau Takes Early Lead

Hoylake, England - July 14, 2023

Bryson DeChambeau has taken an early lead at The Open Championship, shooting a 66 to sit at -6 after the first round. The American is two strokes ahead of a group of four players tied for second place, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler.

DeChambeau, who is seeking his first major championship victory, was in impressive form on Thursday, hitting the fairway on 11 of 14 drives and hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. He also made four birdies on the back nine to surge into the lead.

McIlroy, Rahm, and Scheffler all shot 68s to sit in a tie for second place. McIlroy, who is looking to win his first Open Championship since 2014, was particularly impressive on the par-5s, making birdie on all three of them.

The field is expected to face tougher conditions on Friday, with wind and rain forecast. However, DeChambeau is confident that he can maintain his lead.

"I'm very happy with my round today," said DeChambeau. "I hit the ball well and made some good putts. I'm looking forward to the rest of the tournament."

The Open Championship is the oldest of the four major golf championships, and it is considered to be one of the most challenging tests in golf. The tournament is played on a links course, which is characterized by its rolling fairways, deep rough, and pot bunkers.