Day One at Royal Birkdale
The American trio of Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar made their opening bid for the tantalising Claret Jug by shooting rounds of 65 on day one of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale (20-23 July). It was an American show of outstanding class in Merseyside – their 5-under par scorecards revealing just one single bogey between them.
With a gentle summer breeze, Royal Birkdale welcomed the world’s best golfers to her 128-year old famous links for the first round of the Open. Her beautiful undulations and greens like emerald carpets all immaculately prepared and ready to challenge those seriously in search of the coveted Claret Jug.
The players thought the course would be a breeze on day one. And so it was. Birdie putts tumbled from everywhere and more than an occasional eagle was recorded. The 6,817-yard J.H. Taylor and Frederick G. Hawtree-designed links at Southport looked pretty defenceless. However, with weather forecasts predicting rather more challenging conditions for the rest of the championship, it was important to post a good score on Thursday.
The Open is Koepka’s first tournament since winning the US Open in June. Yet he still looks to be in a rich vein of form. Could the 27-year old from West Palm Beach win back-to-back Majors this week?
Miraculous comeback for Rory
Struggling to find his form on day one was Rory McIlroy. The former World Number One dropped five shots on the front nine and looked to be needing a miracle to happen if he were to stand any chance of surviving the cut. His prayers were answered. He came home in 4-under par to give himself at least a chance of being around at Royal Birkdale at the weekend.
Dutch fans who had travelled to Merseyside to cheer on their man were thrilled to see Joost Luiten post an impressive bogey-free 68 (-2). The player from Rotterdam perhaps feeling even more at home at the Open than ever before amidst the sea of ball-spotters and marshals dressed in orange.
Rafa in the mix again
Fresh from his victory in the Scottish Open last week, Rafa Cabrera-Bello is again in fine form. The Spaniard is right up there in the mix after opening with a 3-under par 67 despite his drive finding the sand down the last which cost him a bogey.
A scroll further down the leaderboard reveals a mass of players all tied for 55th place on a score of 71 (+1). So although Spieth, Koepka and Kuchar have the outright lead after the first round, it’s early days. Anything can happen, and it often does in a Major. There is still an awful lot of golf to be played in the 146th Open Championship.
Links golf courses are renowned for throwing-up a whole new challenge in adverse weather conditions. The second round at Royal Birkdale looks set to be another thrilling day. Especially with England’s Paul Casey, who celebrates his 40th birthday on day two of the Open, tucked-in close behind the leaders just one shot off the pace after his opening 66.
Wendy Hoad
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: American Jordan Spieth in front of Royal Birkdale’s iconic clubhouse.