The 2026 Open Championship is set to continue on Friday with a thrilling lineup of players and a surprising early leader. Jackson Suber, a name that might not be familiar to many, has taken the lead with a stellar first-round performance, shooting a 65 and sharing the top spot at 5 under par. This is a remarkable achievement for Suber, who is playing in his only career round at The Open so far.
What makes Suber's position even more intriguing is his early tee time. He will be one of the first out on Friday morning, teeing off at 2:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. local), which could be a strategic advantage. Early starts often provide players with the opportunity to extend their lead if they can maintain their hot form. However, it's also a challenging position, as Suber will have to manage his nerves and focus amidst the early morning hours.
The early wave also features some notable names, including Cameron Young (-3), who will tee off at 4:58 a.m. alongside Wyndham Clark (+3) and Ludvig Åberg (+1). They have their work cut out for them to secure a weekend tee time. The group behind them, which includes pretournament favorites Rory McIlroy (+2), Matt Fitzpatrick (+2), and Xander Schauffele (+1), will also be battling to make the cut with a 5:09 a.m. starting time.
As the day progresses, the later wave will see how Bryson DeChambeau (-3), Scottie Scheffler (-2), and Tyrrell Hatton (-1) handle the tougher afternoon conditions at Royal Birkdale. All three have put themselves in contention with strong rounds in the morning, and their performance in the afternoon will be crucial. Tommy Fleetwood (-1), Jon Rahm (-1), and Jordan Spieth (+3) will also be in action, with Fleetwood hoping to capitalize on the hometown fan support.
The complete schedule of tee times and groupings for Friday's second round at Royal Birkdale is provided below, offering a comprehensive overview of the day's proceedings. It's a highly anticipated day for golf enthusiasts, as the tournament unfolds with a mix of early risers and afternoon contenders, all vying for their spot in the weekend's action.
