British Open at a glance
Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts as he walks from the 18th green following his opening round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland, Thursday, July 18, 2024. Credit: AP/Scott Heppell
TROON, Scotland — A brief look at Thursday in the British Open at Royal Troon (all times EDT):
LEADING: Daniel Brown of England with a 6-under 65 in his major championship debut.
TRAILING: Shane Lowry of Ireland had a 66 for his best start in 46 majors.
FADING: Rory McIlroy had a 78 for his worst start in a major since he shot 79 in the first round of the 2019 British Open at Royal Portrush. He missed the cut that year.
TIGER TALES: Tiger Woods had a 79, his highest score to start a major since he shot 80 in the first round of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.
WELCOME TO THE 80s: Twelve players shot 80 or higher, a list that included 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith.
SHOT OF THE DAY: Stephan Jaeger holed out from the rough on the par-4 13th for eagle.
KEY STATISTIC: Only 10 players from the 158-man field broke 70. The last time at Royal Troon in 2016, 34 players broke 70 in the first round.
NOTEWORTHY: This is the second straight year for a player making his major debut to be atop the leaderboard. Last year at Royal Liverpool, South African amateur Christo Lamprecht shared the 18-hole lead.
QUOTEWORTHY: “I’d give anything to win this tournament again. I’d give anything to give myself a chance to win this tournament again, and that’s why I’m here this week. This is obviously a great start to do that.” — Shane Lowry.
TELEVISION: Friday, 1:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. (Peacock); 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. (USA Network); 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. (Peacock).
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