Scott overcomes rain affected start

British Open 2006 - Round One

Adam Scott has defied his poor record at the British Open to position himself nicely among the leaders following a confident four-under par 68 in the first round of the Championship at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, overnight.

In seven previous attempts, Scott has finished no better than last year’s tie for 34th at St. Andrews, however, he recorded an eagle and five birdies in his best ever round at a British Open and sits just two shots off the pace, set by Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell at six-under-par.

The 26-year-old Queenslander wasn’t the only Australian to shine, with 13 of the 23-strong contingent breaking par on day one, as a thunderstorm prior to the round and a general absence of wind, made for favourable scoring conditions.

Brett Rumford, Mark Hensby and Marcus Fraser all joined Scott at four-under the card, while Robert Allenby and Rod Pampling were one-stroke back after both shot 69. US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy also stayed in contention with a one-under 71, but Stuart Appleby’s hopes of making the weekend slipped, following a two-over-par round of 74.

Lurking just a shot behind leader McDowell is world number one Tiger Woods, who hit back after the disappointment of missing his first cut at a major championship last month at Winged Foot, to shoot a five-under 67. Woods’ lack of matchplay was evident early as he reached the ninth hole at even-par, however, he came home with a rush, including a birdie-eagle finish at the par five 16th and 18th to thrill the large opening day crowds.

All the other big guns remain right in the thick of the action, with Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and Jim Furyk in the group of 13 players at four-under, while US Masters winner Phil Mickelson posted a solid 69. Another stroke back are Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen, along with colourful Aussie Aaron Baddeley.

Expectations of a treacherous tournament were doused on day one as 91 of the 156 golfers finished at par or better, but should the hot weather return in the coming rounds scores could rise accordingly, making for a very interesting 106th Open Championship.

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