US golfer Alex Smalley looks on from the 16th tee on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Alex Smalley watches his iron shot from the 16th tee on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Justin Thomas interacts with fans on the course on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Justin Thomas interacts with fans on the course on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

England's Tommy Fleetwood chips onto the 12th green on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Jordan Spieth plays from a bunker on the 12th hole on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Alex Smalley reacts to making a birdie putt to take the lead on the 15th green on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

US golfer Alex Smalley places his ball on the 15th green on day one of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 16, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE