Hoylake’s Matt Jordan makes spirited start to his Open championship campaign
The first day at St Andrews of the 150th Open saw 26 year-old Matt return to the clubhouse at two over par.
His mid-morning tee time meant he set off in fine weather and a gentle breeze, one that stiffened as his round progressed.
Matt played steady golf, going out in an even par 36, but from the 12th tee he tugged his ball left into gorse - where it remained, unfound.
The resulting double bogey six, following a bogey four on the previous hole, hurt his card, but he parred the next and birdied the par five 14th.
On the 17th he missed the green to the left with his second shot, struck what seemed like a well judged putt to the flag positioned close to the edge of the putting surface, only for his ball to keep on going across the fast green and agonisingly trickle down the bank and onto the famous road that runs right alongside.
But Matt held his nerve, played a short and delicate chip back on to the green - and sank the resulting six foot putt for a bogey five.
On the downwind and very reachable par 4 18th he hit a three wood and then got down in two for a birdie - total: 74.
The first day of the 150th Open was well attended, but marred for some by the length of time it began to take for players to complete their rounds. It's something of an occupational hazard at St Andrews, especially on the first two days before a crowded field is whittled down for the weekend by the cut.
The course's shared fairways and double greens are bound to cause delays, while par fours that can be reached from the tee result in players waiting for the green ahead to clear.
Matt Jordan has a great opportunity to make the cut and progress to the weekend finale of an historic tournament. As a young professional he will learn so much playing in a competition of such massive scale while surrounded by the world's best players.
Matt tees off at 3.43 this afternoon. Coverage on Sky Sports and Radio 5 Live.
When day one ended, American Cameron Young was in the lead on eight under, with Rory McIlroy second on minus six. Rory played great golf and looked happy and relaxed - a good bet to be crowned Champion Golfer of the Year and raise the Claret Jug.
But, as they say, there's a long way to go…
The Open, of course, returns to Matt Jordan's home club of Royal Liverpool at Hoylake next year. People wishing to bid for tickets now have only five days left to enter the ticket ballot run by the tournament organisers, The R&A.
To find out more about how to throw your hats into the ring, please click or tap here.
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