europeantour.com..140th Open Championship is under way. At precisely 6.30, 1.30am est, the well modulated tones of official starter Ivor Robson announced: “On the tee from the USA, Jerry Kelly.” The dubious honour of hitting the first shot in the Championship had fallen to a man who had started with an 11 at this same hole when The Open was last played here in 2003.
As he waited for the dreaded moment he took many practice swings and stared long and hard down the fairway. His preparation was not helped by a spectator who thought it was funny to call out: “Come on Jerry make it a 10 this time.” But when his moment came he made solid contact with the driver and placed his ball far down the centre of the fairway. He celebrated quietly with his caddie and stood with a relaxed smile on his face as his playing partners teed off.
The Championship started in light rain, with the wind picking up from the north west as the tide comes in.
Kelly by the way 3 putted for a bogey 5.
As of 445am est, only 10 players are under par, lead by 4 at -2, Mark Calcavecchia, Martin Laird, Graeme Storm and Thomas Bjorn..
Rory McIlroy missed a 5 footer for par on his first, while Ernie Els made par and Rickie Fowler made birdie from 30 feet..
For a complete scoreboard click on European Tour..
More to follow
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
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