Johnson takes early lead, Mickelson in the hunt
Source: Agencies |
July 19, 2013, Friday
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ZACH Johnson's putter was as red-hot as the weather at Muirfield yesterday, the 2007 US Masters champion producing an outstanding 66 to move one shot clear of the field early in the British Open first round.
Mark O'Meara turned back the clock to 1998. Rory McIlroy couldn't figure out what he was doing 11 months ago.
O'Meara was the biggest surprise, ripping through the front nine at sunny Muirfield as though he was in his prime - not a 56-year-old. The Open champion from 1998 at Birkdale made the turn with a 5-under 31, but later gave back one shot to finish one behind Johnson in a tie for second.
As for McIlroy, who only last August won his second major title with a runaway victory at the PGA Championship, there are no signs of snapping out of his baffling slump this season. He struggled to an 8-over 79.
Unheralded Spaniard, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, opened with a 67 to sit one shot behind Johnson. Three other players - Miguel Angel Jimenez, Brandt Snedeker and Dustin Johnson - were right in the mix after posting 68s.
Phil Mickelson was also in contention, leading a group, including Angel Cabrera, that was at 2-under 69.
Sergio Garcia was even through 11 holes. Tiger Woods was 1-over through eight holes. Adam Scott was 1-over after 10 holes.
Only about half the field had completed the round as of the deadline.
Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, made an eagle at the par-5 fifth, then birdied the next two holes to claim the top spot on the board.
Jimenez is aware his chances of winning a major are not in his favor.
"I would love to have a major in my career," Jimenez told reporters after his round. "I would love to have one of these. I don't know how much longer for me on the tour. I'm 49, you know."
Todd Hamilton, who won the Open in 2004, put up a surprising 69 - his lowest round in the tournament since that improbable victory nine years ago.
"If the wind stays like it is, it's really not too difficult," Hamilton said.
Mark O'Meara turned back the clock to 1998. Rory McIlroy couldn't figure out what he was doing 11 months ago.
O'Meara was the biggest surprise, ripping through the front nine at sunny Muirfield as though he was in his prime - not a 56-year-old. The Open champion from 1998 at Birkdale made the turn with a 5-under 31, but later gave back one shot to finish one behind Johnson in a tie for second.
As for McIlroy, who only last August won his second major title with a runaway victory at the PGA Championship, there are no signs of snapping out of his baffling slump this season. He struggled to an 8-over 79.
Unheralded Spaniard, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, opened with a 67 to sit one shot behind Johnson. Three other players - Miguel Angel Jimenez, Brandt Snedeker and Dustin Johnson - were right in the mix after posting 68s.
Phil Mickelson was also in contention, leading a group, including Angel Cabrera, that was at 2-under 69.
Sergio Garcia was even through 11 holes. Tiger Woods was 1-over through eight holes. Adam Scott was 1-over after 10 holes.
Only about half the field had completed the round as of the deadline.
Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, made an eagle at the par-5 fifth, then birdied the next two holes to claim the top spot on the board.
Jimenez is aware his chances of winning a major are not in his favor.
"I would love to have a major in my career," Jimenez told reporters after his round. "I would love to have one of these. I don't know how much longer for me on the tour. I'm 49, you know."
Todd Hamilton, who won the Open in 2004, put up a surprising 69 - his lowest round in the tournament since that improbable victory nine years ago.
"If the wind stays like it is, it's really not too difficult," Hamilton said.
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