Spieth soars but Johnson grabs early Open lead
Print Edition
JORDAN Spieth made a flying start in his bid to win a third consecutive major as he took advantage of benign conditions to fire a 5-under-par 67 and tuck in two strokes off the lead in the British Open first round yesterday.
While the 21-year-old was operating in turbo-charged gear in barely a breath of wind, former world No. 1 and twice Open champion at St Andrews Tiger Woods was stuck in reverse as he slumped to a sad 4-over 76.
Spieth, though, had to give second best to playing partner Dustin Johnson who conjured a sizzling 65 with five birdies and an eagle to set the pace.
“This venue here is one of my favorite Opens,” Johnson told reporters. “I really like the golf course and I think it sets up well for me.”
Sharing second place on 66 were Johnson’s fellow American Robert Streb, South African Retief Goosen, Scot Paul Lawrie and Jason Day of Australia.
The contrast in styles was stark as Johnson, who was pipped to the US Open title by Spieth last month, launched a succession of monster drives while his rival relied on strategy, deadly accurate approaches and a magical touch with the putter.
All eyes were on the US Masters and US Open champion Spieth at the start and he gave an early statement of his intent by ramming in a six-foot birdie putt at the first.
The world No. 2, looking dapper in a gray sweater and white trousers, continued to play smart golf and added a second birdie when he rolled in a 12- foot putt at the next hole.
Spieth, bidding to emulate compatriot Ben Hogan who won the year’s first three majors in 1953, showed he was human by missing from eight feet at the third. A birdie hat-trick from the fifth sent him sprinting through the field and another silky putting stroke at the 11th earned him his sixth birdie.
Spieth bogeyed the 13th and 17th holes but hit back like a champion, caressing a curling 20-foot birdie putt into the middle of the final hole.
Johnson, 31, sprinted to the turn in 5-under 31 and appeared all set to drop his first shot of the round at the 17th until he sunk a par-saving effort from 15 feet.
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