Travis Smyth Overcomes Nerves in Opening Round at The Open

Travis Smyth The Open Royal Birkdale Scottie Scheffler practice round nerves

Australian golfer Travis Smyth played his opening round at the 2026 Open Championship on the Royal Birkdale course, finishing with a one‑over‑par 71 and a tie for 59th place. The 31‑year‑old, who earned his DP World Tour status by winning the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, said nerves at the first tee made him "sh*t myself," but he was proud to grind out pars despite limited fairways hit.

Smyth also spent nine holes practicing with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler the day before his round. He described watching Scheffler’s iron play as “demoralising” in a good way, sparking a fire in his stomach to work harder. The experience, combined with recent victories in Japan‑Australia events, left Smyth confident he is better equipped for the major’s pressure.

He previously made a hole‑in‑one at the 2023 Open at Royal Liverpool and entered the 2026 event after a breakthrough season that secured his place on the DP World Tour for 2027.

Sources

'Kind of Demoralizing': Scottie Scheffler Leaves LIV Golf Pro Questioning His Own Game at The Open [www.essentiallysports.com]

5 days ago

Bag-of-nerves Aussie proud of courageous Open round [www.perthnow.com.au]

5 days ago