Karlsson sets the early pace
Robert Karlsson carded a three-under-par 69 to claim the early clubhouse lead at the 143rd Open Championship.
The 44-year-old Swede was in the first group that teed off at the crack of dawn and although his lead is unlikely to last long, he’d be pleased with his effort nonetheless.
After turning at one-over, Karlsson carded birdies at 10, 12, 15 and 16 to reach three-under.
“In the beginning I didn’t hit it great and it was a bit tricky on the front nine, I thought,” said the Swede.
“Then I hit some good shots on the back nine, and I also chipped in once, which got the round going, and the three par fives means there’s going to be some good scoring on the back nine.”
Several other high-profile players remain on the course in what are ideal scoring conditions at Royal Liverpool.
Tiger Woods has made a circumspect start to his tournament and was one-over on the front nine, but the likes of Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia were made strong starts to their tournaments.
McIlroy almost holed his second at the second and after recording three birdies in his first six holes, joined Karlsson, Garcia, Italy’s Matteo Manassero, Americans Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler on three-under.
Latest
-
NewsDefiant Lee Westwood does not believe playing in LIV should harm Ryder Cup hopes
Westwood doesn’t agree with penalties and sanctions.
-
NewsShane Lowry welcomes closer ties between Tours in response to threat from LIV
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced the next phase of their strategic alliance.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington fears LIV series poses threat to future of DP World Tour
The US Senior Open champion thinks there is only room for the PGA and one other tour in the world game.
-
NewsSteve Stricker makes Padraig Harrington sweat as Irishman wins US Senior Open
The pair were rival captains in last year’s Ryder Cup in Wisconsin.
-
NewsGolfers warned of further sanctions if they continue to play in LIV breakaway
The DP World Tour has issued fines of £100,000 and tournament bans to its members who played in the inaugural LIV Golf event earlier this month
-
European TourDP World Tour hits members who played inaugural LIV series with £100,000 fines
They have also been banned from several forthcoming tournaments including the Scottish Open.
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.