Dan Brown Leads After Stunning First Round at The Open

Dan Brown, an unheralded Englishman, sensationally led after round one of The Open at Royal Troon. The world number 272, playing in his first Open, holed an eight-foot birdie putt in fading light to complete a bogey-free six-under 65. Brown, 29, is one shot ahead of 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, who also posted a bogey-free round in challenging wet and windy conditions. American Justin Thomas with seven birdies trails Lowry by two shots.

Justin Rose another qualifier, closed with 11 straight pars and is among a group of seven at two under including fellow Englishman Joe Dean, European Ryder Cup players Alex Noren and Nicolai Hojgaard, and American Xander Schauffele. Matt Wallace briefly led but a triple-bogey on the ninth dropped him to one under, alongside Matt Fitzpatrick, world number one Scottie Scheffler and Australia’s Adam Scott.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre opened with a one-over 72, one better than Spain’s Jon Rahm and four better than England’s Tommy Fleetwood. Rory McIlroy struggled, posting a seven-over 78, 12 shots off the lead. McIlroy, who had been performing well in majors recently, said he failed to adapt to the conditions. Tiger Woods, aiming for a comeback, carded a 79, citing the need for more fitness work.

Bryson DeChambeau, another notable struggler, was five over after seven holes and finished at five over despite a late eagle. Dan Brown expressed excitement and comfort with his game despite the conditions. Lowry, who shot his lowest major round with a 66, emphasized the need to maintain performance over the next rounds. Thomas, a two-time US PGA champion, focused on staying patient and managing the variables of links golf.