Scotty Schaeffler settled, settled and settled before breaking through the 18-hole opening line at the 2025 Open Championship. Signing 68 of the first round, placing one shot behind the early co-leaders of Matt Fitzpatrick, Haotong Lee and Jacobskofeu Oresen, the world’s No. 1 climbed the Peloton thanks to two birdies on the final three holes.
If Scheffler’s T4 position is held, it will be open and represent the world’s No. 1 best after the first refrain. Schaeffler finished within the top 25 of four open appearances, including his top 10 efforts at Royal Troon last year, but he was not a major threat early in the championship.
The round began with how many Schaefflers are there. A great approach to par 3rd place set the first birdie of the morning before taking advantage of par 5 7th. One of the four holes produced an average score under average in round 1. His putters worked together, and he grabbed a cane all day and earned more than two strokes on the field.
“Different greens, different surfaces. These greens, it’s just different. I don’t know if you want me to explain it in detail,” Schaeffler said. “It’s definitely a little smoother, but you can hit a lot of good putts that are trying to do your best to be perfect each week, especially when there’s a little activity on the green.
However, this mood will catch up with the three-time major champion. Nos. The 9-11 drop shot pair had a birdie on the par 4 10th. Handcuffed for an inaccurate tee shot, Schaeffler was forced to play par 5 12th place in a more conservative way than he had hoped for at the next Schaeffler.
The last third of the golf course before him was still a red figure, and Schaeffler summoned another gear and pulled him towards the thick one. Three missed greens in regulation went 13-15, but with three straight pars, including a 10-foot save for No. 14, which caused the fist pump from Schaeffler’s right hand.
A laser-like approach to the difficult PAR-3 16th quickly called out, leading to one of just six birdies from the first 23 games. Schaeffler now runs down the hill and finds his walk at the scoring club, producing another pearl in his penultimate hole, and penciling another circle on his scorecard.
A last chance arrived at the last hall, but it fell just wide as Schaeffler signed 68. In a day featuring almost every weather, Schaeffler’s Stoicism shined with heavy rains, severe winds and calm times.
“The wind clearly challenges Link to golf, but the rain adds a whole new element to it, especially when you hit a tee ball,” Schaeffler said. “It gives you a bit of moisture between the club’s face and the ball, especially in the long club and the woods. It’s pretty challenging.”
Now he kicks his leg up and sees what his counterpart can do in the afternoon as the Royal Portrush continues to plague the best in the world. His early scoring average is just 73.50, and the par 71 holds its own. Good news for Schaeffler – and perhaps even worse news for others? He also has his own.
