First Round Leaderboard: -5 Z. Johnson (66), -4 Cabrera Bello (67), O'Meara (67).
Zach Johnson made four birdies and an eagle to take a one shot lead at six under par after the opening round at Muirfield. A bogey at the 14th hole was the only blemish on Johnson's card but a brilliant front nine of 31 shots propelled the American into the lead. Rafael Cabrera Bello and Mark O'Meara lead the chasing pack as they both posted rounds of 67 to trail Zach Johnson by one shot. Dustin Johnson, Brandt Snedeker, Shiv Kapour and Miguel Angel Jimenez all shot a three under par round of 68. It was a solid start for Tiger Woods, who managed five birdies on his was to a round of 69 alongside Phil Mickelson. Bubba Watson managed to post a round of 70, leaving the American four shots off the lead.
Adam Scott, the Masters champion, went round in level par in his opening round whist Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter dropped a shot in their rounds of 72. Jason Day struggled through his round and finished on +2 whilst the current Open champion Ernie Els carded a round of 74. It was a tough day for Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell and recently crowned US Open winner Justin Rose as they all battled for a round of 75. It was a disappointing day for Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy. Fowler bogeyed his way to 78 whilst McIlroy continued to battle his poor form in a round of 79. It was not the perfect day for sir Nick Faldo but a 79 is not mean feat, having not played competitive golf for years. Sadly, Luke Donald's hopes of winning his first major took a huge blow with his round of 80 and will struggle to make the cut.
My Opinion: Zach Johnson's game is suited to the course and he played ever so well to shoot 66. Good to see Dustin Johnson near the top of the leaderboard. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain a serious challenge for the title. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will both be pleased with their opening rounds of 69. It leaves them in a good place looking ahead to the weekend. Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are still in the tournament with their one over par rounds of 72. Justin Rose could not continue his brilliant US Open form into the British Open and may not even make the cut. Very saddened by my favourite players' scores. Rickie Fowler really struggled, as did Rory McIlroy. However, Luke Donald leaked shots throughout his round after shooting 80. Lots of good golf in the opening round but who can stay at the top.
Performance of the Day: Mark O' Meara deserves plenty of credit. It showed that it does not matter how old you are, you can still pose a challenge at the top of the leaderboard.
Lowest Round of the Day: Zach Johnson with 66.
Highest Scoring Round of the Day: Rhys Pugh (A) 84.
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