The top-ranked golfer in the world posted an early 3-under 68 and entered the clubhouse at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland just a shot off the lead. By the end of the day, though, there were five golfers — Jacob Skov, Olesen, Haotong Li, Matt Fitzpartick, Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Harris English — tied for the lead at 4-under.

The 2023 Open champion Brian Harman raced through the field with a 65 to sit third on eight under alongside China’s Li Haotong, with Ryder Cup team-mates Tyrrell Hatton (69) and Robert MacIntyre (66) in a group tied for fifth on five under.