Daniel Brown, an Englishman ranked No. 272 in the world, made a stunning debut at Royal Troon, shooting a bogey-free 65 to lead the Open Championship. His performance marked the first time in 30 years that someone began their major career with such a score. Brown excelled both off the tee and on the greens, gaining 4.5 shots putting. Shane Lowry, a seasoned player with a history of major successes, trailed by just one stroke. His strategic play and flawless putting were evident as he finished with a 67. Following a tough stretch, Lowry’s recent form includes strong finishes in major championships.
Justin Thomas emerged as the clubhouse leader from the morning slate, posting a 68 in challenging conditions. Known for his versatility, Thomas had previously struggled on links courses but showed marked improvement. Despite mid-round difficulties, he recovered with birdies on 17 and 18, demonstrating resilience and skill. Other notable performances came from European players, including Justin Rose, Nicolai Højgaard, and Alex Noren, who carded solid rounds.
Conversely, top players like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau struggled, ending the day significantly over par. Tiger Woods had a particularly rough round, finishing 8 over, placing him 140th in the field. His performance underscored the challenges posed by Royal Troon, as many stars faced hurdles from thick gorse and deep bunkers.
