Rory Mcllroy has been rolling in the news as a fresh and rising newcomer with his extraordinary performance so far. Even before the British Open at Royal St. George’s commenced, the 22 year old from Northern Ireland was already expected to cruise through round 1 however there were two other sails after the first round.
New names on the scoreboard in the First Round of the British Open
Thomas Bjorn, whose father passed away a couple of weeks before the British Open has started, shot a five-under-par 65, an excellent play even when he was still in mourning for his lost father. He was 3-under par through 12 holes. During the same day, 20 year old Tom Lewis who is regarded as an amateur at the game but proved otherwise, was another to make another staggering shot, and came even with Bjorn at the top of the table. Both Thomas Bjorn and Tom Lewis have the same coach but that is the only thing that the two players share.
After his superb play, Bjorn, with wet and weary eyes took a couple of moments and then told the reporters “Dad meant a lot to me” and also that is he had been alive, he would have been extremely proud of his son’s achievement. He also said that it was very hard for him to come back and play at such a tragic time. But he also said that it was part of life and said “that’s part of the [life’s] process”.
On the other hand, the much looked-forward to, Mcllroy, scored his lowest opening round score, out of the four tournaments of British Open, of 71 this time. He had two bogeys in the first three holes and he wasn’t satisfied at all with that. He came about and shot a few birdies after that however his third bogey added to the bad card. “Bogeying two of my first three holes wasn’t ideal”, Mcllroy said but he continued to be patient in his play.
There was Ben Curtis who had nine bogeys and scored 77 in the opening round where Bjorn’s score was 65. Bjorn was tied for the second place the last time the tournament was played.
1989 champion Mark Calcavecchia and Miguel Angel Jimenez are tied for second at 2-under where the 2009 winner Stewart Cink and Luke Donald are tied at 1-under among seven other golfers after the opening round.
Vijay Singh was not a part of this tournament as he withdrew having an injured back. He has won three major championships till now.
Looks like professional play by amateurs will add new names to the roster at every round at the British Open.
Tags: British Open, Golf, Northern Ireland, Rory Mcllroy, Royal St. George's, Thomas Bjorn
