Reed holds sway
American golfer sets early pace at British Open in Scotland
Troon ( Scotland), July 14: Patrick Reed of the United States laid down an early marker in the British Open on Thursday after an impressive opening round of 66 gave him the clubhouse lead at Royal Troon.
The 25- year- old Texan sits at five under par, one shot clear from his fellow American Justin Thomas after both made the most of the conditions on a glorious day on Scotland’s west coast.
Texan Reed, 25, signalled his intent when he holed his approach shot for an eagle two at the par- four third.
He then added birdies at the fourth, sixth and seventh to reach the turn in 31, but bogeyed the 10th and 13th and did well to come home in level- par 35.
The stiff breeze blowing in from the Firth of Clyde has made life particularly difficult on the back nine, and Reed admitted his relief at coming through his round in such a strong position.
“It doesn’t matter if the wind is blowing or not, that back nine is tough,” said the former Junior Open winner.
“It’s one of these golf courses that allows you to get off to a quick start, allows you to get almost over- confident and cocky, and all of a sudden you get a little too careless on the back nine and you can go shoot 31- 41.”
His compatriot Thomas also handled the conditions expertly to put himself in contention.
Appearing in his first Open championship, the 23- year- old scored an excellent four- under- par round of 67 after beginning his day with birdies at each of the first four holes.
He had seven birdies altogether along with a bogey five at the 10th and a double- bogey six at the 15th.
England’s Justin Rose also moved into contention with a threeunderpar round of 68.
It is the American players who have history on their side in the 145th Open though, with the last six winners at Troon all coming from the United States.
Jordan Spieth, winner of the Masters and US Open last year, opened with an unremarkable 71 that featured three birdies and three bogeys.
South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen bagged the first hole- in- one of the week when his tee shot at the par- three 14th landed at the front of the green and dropped in. The 2010 Open winner finished level par for the day after shooting a 71.