Golf
Goose, Oosthuizen & Schwartzel on song at St Andrews─── 09:22 Fri, 17 Jul 2015
The USA’s Dustin Johnson claimed the first round lead at the 144th Open Championship at St Andrews in Scotland after firing a solid seven under par 65.
While the American golfer was on fire, South Africa’s two-time US Open winner, Retief Goosen and his compatriots, former Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel and 2010 Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen were also on song.
The Goose shares second for five other players after carding a round of six under par 66.
After qualifying at Woburn two-weeks before the Open, the Goose kept his cool on the back nine to level his score with the earlier clubhouse leader Robert Sterb, Zach Johnson, Danny Willett, Paul Lawrie and Jason Day.
Goosen said it’s still earlier days at the iconic tournament by he is enjoying it.
"Definately one of the best rounds I've played at around here at St Andrews, but still a long way to go.
"Mentality wise you need to be very strong, but we'll just take it one day at a time, see what the weather is going to do.
"Scoring is good, so I think there are a lot of players in with a chance comes Saturday/ Sunday.
Oosthuizen and Schwartzel are currently in tied 8th on 5 under par 67.
Brandon Grace is in tied 18th on 3 under par 69, with the Big Easy- Ernie Els a further two shots back after testing day.
George Coetzee and Thomas Aiken will look to find their rhythm earlier during the second round with the two players on 2 over and 3 over.
Jaco van Zyl who qualified after finishing third at the French Open two weeks ago, had disappointing round and fired 7 over par 79, four shots ahead of three-time champion, Sir Nick Faldo who is on 11 over par 83 in last place.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
