After the threat of some inclimate weather earlier in the week, there wasn't even a breath of wind to be found Thursday morning as the 2012 Open Championship got underway at Royal Lytham St. Annes. Those fortunate enough to have drawn the morning tee times made the most of their advantage, including Tiger Woods and tournament leader Adam Scott.
The Australian native came close to an opening round major championship scoring record before finishing with a 6-under 64, tying the lowest score shot ever at Royal Lytham.
"It's nice just to take advantage of the calm conditions today,'' Scott said. "It was surprising but very pleasing to go out and play some solid golf. It's what I haven't done the first rounds of the majors this year, and that was my goal here, really, starting the week was to play today like it was Sunday and there was no tomorrow."
As for Tiger Woods he made four birdies in his first seven holes, finishing his round with a 3-under 67. Woods missed just one fairway and hit 15 of 18 greens, but struggled with the flat stick after needing 30 putts.
"It was pretty soft,'' he said. "The wind wasn't blowing, and we're backing golf balls up. That's something we just don't see. On the first hole is a perfect indication; I hit a 5 iron straight at it, and it rolled out 8 feet. I can't remember the last time it does that on links golf course.
Paul Lawrie and Zach Johnson each fired an opening round 65, sitting one shot behind Scott, while Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell and Kegan Bradley all fired 67's to remain tied with Woods.
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