The Open: Johnson leads – DW – 07/16/2015
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The Open: Johnson leads

July 16, 2015

The experienced Johnson pipped the tournament favorite, Jordan Spieth, with a strong opening day score. But American Tiger Woods is almost certainly out of the running, trailing the leader by 11 shots.

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British Open 2015 Dustin Johnson
Image: Reuters/R. Cheyne

Favorite Jordan Spieth was left two strokes behind the lead on the first day of the 144th Open Championship by an impressive performance from Dustin Johnson at St. Andrews.

Spieth has won the US Open and Masters this year and could become the first golfer to hold all major titles at the same time.

The 21-year-old American opened with two straight birdies and shot a birdie hat-trick from the fifth to keep pace with compatriot Johnson who has yet to win a major.

Yet the 31-year-old adjusted best to the conditions on the Scottish coast, with a 7-under par round of 65 to hold the lead after the first day's play.

"If DJ keeps driving it the way he is I'm going to have to play my best golf to have a chance," Spieth said.

"It's hard to argue with somebody who is splitting bunkers at about 380 yards and two-putting for birdie on five or six of the holes when there are only two par-fives on the course.

"I don't have that in the bag so I've got to make up for it with ball-striking."

Meanwhile, 14-time major winner Tiger Woods was left reeling after an abysmal start to the Open Championships.

Woods shot a career worst four-over par 76 at the famous St. Andrews course and managed his only birdie of the day on the par-five 14th.

"The guys have been shooting good numbers, unfortunately I did not do that," said Woods who is 11 shots behind leader Johnson.

"Hopefully the conditions will be tough tomorrow and I can put together a good round and move up the board."

rd/apc (AP, AFP, RTRE)