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2026 Open leaderboard: Live updates, coverage, scores and standings for Round 2 at Royal Birkdale

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Live scores, updates and highlights from the second round of the 154th Open Championship

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The second round of the 2026 Open Championship will see some of the game’s top stars jockeying for position at the top of the leaderboard, while a few pretournament favorites begin Friday with work to do just to make the weekend at Royal Birkdale. Despite light winds early, the course showed its quality as a major championship host, and as we’ve seen all year in the majors, a bunched leaderboard after the first round means chaos is likely ahead for Friday.

The overnight leader, Jackson Suber, will be off early. Headlining the chase pack are Cameron Young and Bryson DeChambeau, the former searching for his first major championship victory while the latter is trying to salvage his 2026 season after missing the cut in the first three majors. Also in the hunt entering the second round is the defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, who got off to a fast start in the first round before cooling off on the back nine. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick sit just outside the number, while Xander Schauffele is just inside.

CBS Sports will keep you updated with 2026 Open Championship leaderboard updates, scores and highlights below. Check out live scores, Round 2 tee times and our complete 2026 Open TV schedule and coverage guide.

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Rory rolls in an early birdie to get onto the cutline at +1

According to Data Golf, the cutline has a 55% chance of falling at +1 by day’s end. Luckily for Rory McIlroy that is where the six-time major champion finds himself after making birdie on the par-4 2nd. He now looks to the leaders who stand at 5 under (again) with Jackson Suber (again) getting back to that figure as well as Shaun Norris.

I appreciated this graphic from the broadcast for drives on No. 2. I think the first reaction would be to suggest it is drier, but I actually think it’s because more players are hitting drivers. A more aggressive off the tee strategy will continue to be employed, especially by those who are behind the eight ball.

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The Open

Ideal scoring conditions early once again

The golf course is playing nearly a full stroke UNDER par at the moment as the wind has taken the morning off and some friendly pin locations have allowed players to score. This is an ideal time to put some birdies on the board as Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick step onto the golf course with eyes on (1) making the cut and (2) playing themselves back into this tournament as the lead has dipped back down to 4 under with Pierceson Coody and Matt Wallace.

Speaking of Matt Wallace — look at this shirt. Reminds me of a lava lamp. (It’s too early for this).

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The Open

Good morning as Round 2 of the 154th Open is underway

Apologies for the later wake up call, I just attempted to type my password into my laptop roughly 10 times and could not get it right due to the lack of sleep. Someone who slept well? That would be Matt Wallace who is 3 under through 12 holes and into a share of the lead at 4 under with the pair of debutants (Jackson Suber and Pierceson Coody).

Low man on the golf course is Eric Cole who is 6 under for his round and even par for his championship. He has moved up 102 spots to 40th on the leaderboard and should be able to make the cut if he gets this round in the house after opening with a 76.

Round 1 takeaways: Royal Birkdale open to interpretation

Bryson DeChambeau ranked first in driving distance during Round 1 of the 2026 Open, signing for a 3-under 67. Francesco Molinari ranked 150th and inked the same score. Tyrrell Hatton was second to DeChambeau with a 68, while Collin Morikawa was one behind Molinari in driving distance and tied the Englishman’s tally.

Royal Birkdale proved on Thursday what many already knew: There’s no one right answer to solve the riddle provided by the course. Players have their full bags at their disposal, and while some found answers, others will continue to search for them over the next 54 holes. That is the beauty of Royal Birkdale and this championship: The choose-your-own-adventure nature that unfolded on Thursday.

2026 Open takeaways: Rory McIlroy’s struggle proves interpretive Royal Birkdale will remain tough test
Patrick McDonald
2026 Open takeaways: Rory McIlroy's struggle proves interpretive Royal Birkdale will remain tough test

Round 2 hole locations at Royal Birkdale

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