The 152nd Open Championship got off to an exciting start as little-known Daniel Brown of England surged to the top of the leaderboard with a bogey-free, 6-under-par 65 in the first round at Royal Troon in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. Brown, ranked No. 272 in the world, made a remarkable debut in a major championship by taking the lead ahead of 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry and former major winner Justin Thomas.
Brown’s round was highlighted by birdies on the 16th and 18th holes as darkness began to settle over the course. He displayed composure and skill throughout his round, including sinking long birdie putts on the 10th and 11th holes to briefly tie Lowry for the lead. Despite Lowry’s strong play, Brown managed to stay steady on the back nine and ultimately claim the top spot for himself with a clutch birdie at the end of the round.
Lowry, who finished with a bogey-free 66, expressed satisfaction with his performance but acknowledged the challenging conditions on the course. Thomas, a two-time major champion, also had a strong showing in the opening round, finishing at 3-under 68 after a rollercoaster of birdies and bogeys.
Reigning PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler were among the contenders in the mix, posting solid scores in the difficult conditions. However, former major winners like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods struggled on the challenging course, with McIlroy finishing at 7-over 78 and Woods at 8-over 79.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more excitement and drama on the links at Royal Troon. With a mix of established stars and rising talents vying for the coveted Claret Jug, the 152nd Open Championship promises to deliver thrilling golf action and memorable moments for players and spectators alike.
