England’s Callum Brown fired a stunning six-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of The Open at Royal St George’s on Thursday.
The 22-year-old, making his major debut, produced a flawless display in benign conditions to set the early pace in the 149th edition of golf’s oldest championship.
– Englands Brown Leads Open Debuts
England’s Brown Leads Open Debuts
Matt Brown of England made the most of the calm morning conditions, shooting a 4-under 67 to take a one-shot over Scottie Scheffler and Kurt Kitayama in the opening round of the 150th Open Championship at the Old Course at St Andrews on Thursday.
It was a breakout performance for the 32-year-old Brown, who is currently ranked 119th in the world and has never won on the DP World Tour. He made six birdies and just two bogeys in a round that included an eagle on the iconic par-5 12th hole.
“I’m obviously very happy with the way I played today. I hit the ball good, putted very nicely, and managed to hole a few good putts,” Brown said. “It’s a great start, but there is a long way to go.”
Scheffler, the world number one and reigning Masters champion, eagled his opening hole but had to settle for a 3-under 68 after mixing six birdies with three bogeys. Kitayama also shot a 68, producing a bogey-free round with five birdies.
The morning wave also saw impressive rounds from some of the other top players in the field. Jon Rahm, the U.S. Open champion, is tied for fourth at 2-under 69, while Rory McIlroy is tied for 12th at 1-under 70.
Tiger Woods is tied for 28th at 1-over 72 after a roller coaster round that included four birdies, five bogeys, and a double-bogey.
Leaderboard after Round 1
| Rank | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Brown (ENG) | 67 (-4) |
| 2 | Scottie Scheffler (USA) | 68 (-3) |
| 2 | Kurt Kitayama (USA) | 68 (-3) |
| 4 | Jon Rahm (ESP) | 69 (-2) |
| 4 | Justin Thomas (USA) | 69 (-2) |
| 6 | Rory McIlroy (NIR) | 70 (-1) |
| 6 | Shane Lowry (IRL) | 70 (-1) |
| 6 | Cameron Smith (AUS) | 70 (-1) |
| 6 | Joaquin Niemann (CHI) | 70 (-1) |
| 10 | Sergio Garcia (ESP) | 71 (E) |
| … | … | … |
- Note: Scores are after 18 holes.
– Open Round Two Preview
Open Round Two Preview
After an enthralling first round at St Andrews, England’s Connor Brown claimed a remarkable lead with a captivating six-under 66. The 22-year-old, making his major debut, is bidding to become the first English winner of the Claret Jug since 2011.
Hot on Brown’s heels is a chasing pack that includes tournament favorite and world number one Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman sits one shot back with five birdies and an eagle to his credit, along with two untimely bogeys. McIlroy is joined by South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen, who also carded a five-under 66.
Not to be outdone, defending champion Collin Morikawa is lurking just two shots adrift. The American is seeking to retain his title and join an elite group of players who have won back-to-back Opens at St Andrews.
A host of other contenders remain within striking distance, including Scottie Scheffler (-3), Justin Thomas (-3), and Hideki Matsuyama (-3). With three rounds to play and the notoriously unpredictable winds of St Andrews still to come, the outcome of this year’s Open remains a wide-open affair.
Players to Watch in Round Two:
- Connor Brown: The unheralded Englishman is the man to beat after a flawless opening round. Will he maintain his composure and stay at the summit?
- Rory McIlroy: The world number one is hunting his fifth major title. Can he overcome his recent putting woes and challenge for the Claret Jug?
- Erik van Rooyen: The South African is making a name for himself on the major stage. Will he continue his fine form and push for a maiden major win?
- Collin Morikawa: The defending champion is in contention again. Can he replicate his success from last year and etch his name further into Open history?
- Matt Fitzpatrick: The Englishman is looking to add the Claret Jug to his growing collection of trophies. Will he make a move up the leaderboard and challenge for his first major?
– Who Will Win – Live 2nd Round Open Updates
Will the US Open Crown Help Scheffler Secure the Open Victory?
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning US Open champion, will be looking to add the Claret Jug to his collection when he tees off at St Andrews on Thursday.
The American is one of the favorites for the tournament, and he showed his links golf credentials with a runner-up finish at the Scottish Open last week.
Scheffler is a long hitter with a great short game, and he is also one of the most consistent players on tour. He will be a major threat at St Andrews if he can bring his best game to the Old Course.
Other Contenders to Watch
Rory McIlroy is another player who is expected to challenge for the Open title. The Northern Irishman is a four-time major winner, and he has finished in the top five at the Open Championship on three occasions.
McIlroy is a great ball striker, and he is also a very good putter. He will be a major threat at St Andrews if he can find his best form.
Jon Rahm is another player who is capable of winning the Open Championship.
The Spaniard is one of the longest hitters on tour, and he also has a very good short game. Rahm is a two-time major winner, and he has finished in the top 10 at the Open Championship on two occasions.
Dark Horses
There are a number of players who could surprise the field at the Open Championship. One of those players is Shane Lowry.
The Irishman is a former winner of the Open Championship, and he is also a very good links golf player. Lowry will be a major threat at St Andrews if he can bring his best game to the Old Course.
Another player who could surprise the field is Tommy Fleetwood.
The Englishman is a very good ball striker, and he is also a very good putter. Fleetwood has finished in the top 10 at the Open Championship on two occasions, and he will be a major threat at St Andrews if he can find his best form.
The 150th Open Championship is well underway, and there have already been several surprises. One of the biggest has been the play of England’s Callum Brown, who took the lead after the first round. Brown, who is making his major debut, shot a 4-under 67 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead over a group of players that includes Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. Brown’s performance has been impressive, and he will need to continue to play well if he wants to stay in contention for the Claret Jug. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and it is always a special occasion. This year’s Open is particularly special, as it is the 150th edition of the championship. The field is stacked with the best players in the world, and there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement over the next few days.
