Gusting winds of 30mph and heavy rain sent the average score on the first morning of The British Open Golf Championship climbing towards 80. So far, only Retief Goosen has managed to average less than four shots per hole on a day that has seen some of the toughest British Open conditions for over five years.
Simon Dyson, one of the early starters, described the conditions as "nearly unplayable".
"You put a four-handicapper on that first tee and they'd probably shoot 100. That's no exaggeration."
Korea's KJ Choi managed to get through his round more or less unscathed, registering two birdies and four bogeys in his round of 72, and defending champion Padraig Harrington had a 74 that, considering the weather and his injured wrist, represented a superb effort.
Unfortunately for the early starters, the wind at Birkdale, where British Open is taking place, is dropping slightly and the rain abating, with forecasters now predicting that the afternoon will clear up considerably. Jean Van de Velde recently got to the turn in level par 34, and Robert Karlsson remains one under pat after five holes.
Source: British Open Official News Release
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