The 153rd edition of the Open Championship started off with an amazing display of chaos and skill. Five players were tied for the lead after the first round, each posting a 4-under 67 to share the top spot going into Friday. That’s the biggest logjam at the top of the leaderboard after 18 holes since 1938. That co-leaders list is a varied mix of countries, reflecting the wildly international interest in FIFA’s famed, multi-billion dollar tournament.
Matt Fitzpatrick was the one to steal the show, making an unbelievable chip-in birdie. He fired up the home-state crowd on the famed “Calamity Corner” par-3 16th hole. Rory McIlroy, thanks in part to hitting just two fairways, was good enough to overcome an early dropped shot on the opening hole. He faced adversity with three additional bogeys in a four-hole stretch. He saved his round with a vital birdie on 10 that kept him very much alive.
Harris English, who notched seven birdies in his round, summed up his anticipation for the event. He expressed his appreciation for the course, stating, “Was looking forward to coming to this week, and immediately after playing the course, I really liked it.”
Just two days earlier, Jacob Skov Olesen had been the first player to get to 5 under par. Alas, he faltered with a closing bogey and settled for 4-under. Scottie Scheffler did his part to put himself in contention with a strong round of 68, leaving him just one back of the leaders.
17 Pros other notables Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Brian Harman, all coming in at a score of 69. Haotong Li stole the show with his 67, which was a bogey-free round. His strong play only added to the competitive environment as players fought tooth and nail for the title.
The day was not without its challenges. As Rory McIlroy said after a brutal opening round, there were certain holes out there that flat out beat you up. He noted, “Today, for example, the 11th hole was like the worst hole to get the weather we got in. … I think there’s going to be certain times in the tournament where that’s going to happen, and you just need to kind of put your head down and battle through it and see where it leaves you.”
This year’s event took a more dramatic turn with caddie Eric Larson’s ordeal. He understands that he was denied a travel visa to the UK because of the prison time he served over twenty years ago. This controversial situation highlighted some of the other complications that can surface at large sporting events.
Padraig Harrington had the distinction of hitting the first tee shot to open this historic event. His presence provided a ceremonial touch that was appropriate for a day that otherwise overflowed with anticipation and excitement.
Lucas Glover served up the biggest surprise when he tied for the lead. He made some mistakes on the back nine, with two bogeys on 12 and 15 derailing his chances for a sixth Champions title.
As the mega first round came to a close, players and onlookers alike wonder what the rest of this very likely championship will hold. With the leaderboard so close together, the competition will be fierce. With uncertain weather patterns ahead, there are bound to be surprises still in store during the next rounds.
Leave a Reply