PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Jacob Skov Olesen, a Danish amateur and former Arkansas Razorback, shot a 4-under 67 on Thursday to share the first-round lead at the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Olesen, 25, birdied the first hole to set the tone and finished tied atop the leaderboard with Haotong Li, Matt Fitzpatrick, Christian Bezuidenhout and Harris English.
It was a composed round under challenging conditions that left Olesen in position to become one of the storylines of this year’s championship.
“It was just one of those days where everything felt in sync,” Olesen said. “I kept the mistakes small, played the percentages and tried to give myself chances. That’s all you can do out here.”
After a string of pars, Olesen birdied the par-5 seventh but bogeyed the par-4 eighth before making the turn at 1 under. He picked up another birdie at 10, made a 40-foot eagle putt at the par-5 12th and chipped in for birdie at 15. A bogey at 18 concluded a round that drew attention across the course and in his home country.
Olesen won The Amateur Championship in 2024, becoming the first Dane to claim the title since its inception in 1885 (Golf Monthly).
That victory earned him a spot in last year’s Open at Royal Liverpool, where he made the cut and finished 60th. He also led Team International to victory at the Palmer Cup in Ireland, going 3-1 in his matches.
Olesen’s performance at Arkansas was equally impressive. In his only season with the Razorbacks, he was named a second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. He set the school record for season scoring average at 69.94, recorded 16 rounds in the 60s and tied the program mark with 24 rounds at par or better.
“He’s always been able to focus on the next shot, no matter the circumstance,” Arkansas coach Brad McMakin said. “His numbers last season were off the charts, but it’s his approach to the game that sets him apart.”
Royal Portrush was a tough test for the field, with crosswinds and thick rough challenging even the most experienced players.
“The rough is brutal this year, but Olesen kept it in play and took his chances when they came,” Sky Sports commentator Ewan Murray said during Thursday’s broadcast.
Olesen credited his background as a greenkeeper in Denmark and recent international play for preparing him for the moment.
“When you’ve raked bunkers or cut greens at dawn, you understand how much work goes into every detail,” he said. “It gives you respect for the course and everyone involved.”
His opening 67 brought praise from fellow players.
“He’s got the game, no doubt,” Fitzpatrick said. “What impressed me today was how he handled the course. He looked like he belonged.”
As Olesen prepares for the second round, he remains focused on the basics. More wind and rain are in the forecast, and Royal Portrush is known for its unpredictability.
“It’s just round one,” he said. “I’m happy with where I am, but there’s so much golf left. I’ll stick to my routine and keep grinding.”
Olesen left the course Thursday evening signing autographs for Danish supporters.
“This is special,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support, and I hope I can keep making them proud.”
The Open continues Friday with Olesen seeking to build on his strong start and maintain his place atop one of golf’s most storied leaderboards.
