Kisner sets early pace at Carnoustie
Spieth drops four shots in his final four holes
CARNOUSTIE: Kevin Kisner took advantage of light winds and warm temperatures to shoot a five-under-par 66 and take the early lead in the British Open, while defending champion Jordan Spieth had to settle for a one-over 72 yesterday.
Kisner needed only 22 putts as he made his way around the Carnoustie links, where wispy rough and fast fairways made for low scores among the early groups. He had a one-shot lead over Erik Van Rooyen, a South African, who shot 67.
Fellow American Spieth was three under through 14 holes but a double bogey and two bogeys in his last four holes meant the American finished on a disappointing one-over 72.
Spieth is trying to become the first champion to repeat since Padraig Harrington won at Carnoustie in 2007 and again at Royal Birkdale the next year.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who teed off with Spieth and England’s Justin Rose (72), finished on three-over-par 74.
Kisner was one over going into the fifth hole when he hit a 3-iron onto the par-five and sunk a long putt for eagle. He would go on to make four more birdies, then finished with a string of pars on the difficult final holes at Carnoustie.
“If I can keep it in the fairway, I feel like I can control my golf ball around the green,” he added. “The greens are calm, and around the greens are flat. I feel like any time I’m around the green I’m going to make 4 or par at the worst. So that’s been my game plan.”
Kisner, who is staying with Spieth and several other players at a house near the course, said they have been enjoying nightly football matches in the yard. But he was up early for his morning tee time, and took advantage of the benign conditions.
“The golf course is great for me. The conditions have been fine,” said the 34-yearold, who led going into the final round of last year’s US PGA Championship before dropping away to finish tied for seventh.
“Going forward, you never know what you’re going to have in Scotland. I know the rain is coming in tomorrow. I don’t think the rain is going to affect how the golf course is playing in one day, but I have to just keep doing what I’m doing.”
On his Open debut, the 28-year-old Van Rooyen went out in the second group of the day on a near calm morning at Carnoustie, the only flaw on his scorecard coming with a bogey at the last.
Americans have won the last five majors and will take some beating this week, with Spieth, world No.1 Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods all hoping to be in contention.
Danny Willett, who hasn’t had a victory since surprisingly winning the Masters in 2016, shot a 69 and was three shots back while Phil Mickelson opened with a 73.
DANTHAI DISAPPOINTS
A nervous Danthai Boonma of Thailand kept his chin up after signing for an opening seven-over 78 in his British Open debut yesterday.
After a disappointing start, the 22-yearold Thai admits he must learn from his mistakes and regroup.
“I feel like I hit the ball pretty good and my putting wasn’t that bad but the score wasn’t what I expected. I had a disappointing finish today, dropping five shots in my last four holes. I got into trouble on the 16th, hitting my tee shot into the bunker and then lost my momentum there.
“I know it wasn’t going to be easy as it’s my first time playing in a Major championship. It was still a very good experience. I am still very excited and a little bit nervous. I got to play along former Open winner Mark [Cakcavecchia] so that was good too,” said Danthai.
“I will stick to the same game plan tomorrow and just have fun out there. I just want to enjoy the game and gain more experience out there. It wasn’t that windy actually. The weather and the playing conditions were pretty nice today. It’s a shame I didn’t take advantage of it.”
Danthai is representing Thailand alongside fellow debutant Jazz Janewattananond and Kiradech.