England’s Brown takes Open lead in major debut
England’s Connor Brown took a one-stroke lead in the Open at Royal Portrush after a stunning first round.
The 23-year-old, who is making his major debut, carded a six-under-par 65 to leave him one ahead of American Xander Schauffele.
Brown birdied the third, fifth, ninth, 10th, 12th and 16th holes and is the youngest player to lead The Open after the first round since Rory McIlroy in 2010.
Schauffele, the world number 10, matched Brown’s score with six birdies of his own, but he also dropped a shot on the 18th.
Shane Lowry, who is seeking to become the first Irish winner of the Open since 1947, is among a group of eight players tied for third on four under par.
