ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Reuters) - Australian Rod Pampling struck the first shot of the 144th British Open at a St Andrews on Thursday as the third major of the year got going in calm conditions on the Fife coast.
The 45-year-old and playing partners Greg Owen from England and Denmark's twice former runner-up Thomas Bjorn all found the middle of the invitingly wide fairway on the 375-yard par four.
A sprinkling of supporters were already on the famous Old Course 7,297 yard par 72 links as Pampling and Bjorn both made safe pars, while Owen birdied.
The day's early starters in the 156-strong field are expected to benefit from ideal playing conditions, if a little chilly, with winds increasing for the day's later groups.