(Hoylake, England) After crouching down to put his ball on the tee, Christo Lamprecht – a 6’8” giant – straightened up and slammed a resounding tee shot down the fairway from over 350 yards.
“Have you seen the size of this guy? “, exclaimed a spectator outside the ropes that surround the driveway of 18e hole, as the 22-year-old South African headed for his ball.
Amateur Lamprecht’s first round at the British Open was memorable, and for many onlookers as well.
At some point Thursday at Royal Liverpool, Lamprecht – a student at Georgia Tech – was leading by three strokes.
He gave a card of 66 (- 5), ending the first round tied for the lead with Tommy Fleetwood and Emiliano Grillo. The trio is one step ahead at the top.
The last amateur golfer to hold the No. 1 spot after Round 1 of the British Open was Tom Lewis, who shared the lead with Thomas Bjorn at Royal St. George’s in 2011.
So, was he surprised to come out of total anonymity so abruptly?
PHOTO KIN CHEUNG, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Christo Lamprecht
“As an amateur golfer, definitely yes,” admitted Lamprecht, who has been a top prospect in the United States for two years. But in my head, no, it doesn’t surprise me. I am very demanding of myself, and I have earned my place here. »
Earlier this month, Lamprecht won the amateur tournament at Hillside, a course an hour’s drive from the Irish Sea, earning his way to the British Open.
And today, it dominates the table of the oldest major tournament on the planet. He is even ahead of his playing partner and compatriot Louis Oosthuizen by eight strokes. This result was very significant for Lamprecht, who benefited from the foundation of Oosthuizen in South Africa to blossom into the world of golf.
“I felt a little more comfortable [sur le parcours]knowing that I was playing with someone I know very well and who has always acted as a mentor for me,” admitted Lamprecht of the 2010 British Open champion.
” [Oosthuizen] supported me unconditionally, and he continued to do so throughout the round,” added the South African.
Fleetwood is trying to become the first Englishman to win the British Open since 1969, when Tony Jacklin won.
PHOTO JON SUPER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tommy Fleetwood
“It was a really good score for day one,” said Fleetwood, who finished second at this tournament in 2019. “I just want to keep working hard to stay in good position. »
Antoine Rozner, Adrian Otaegui and Brian Harman are only one stroke behind. Rozner had three birdies in four holes on the front nine.
In the group at 68 is Wyndham Clark, winner of the US Open this year.
Scottie Scheffler, ranked number 1 in the world, handed over a 70.
Rory McIlroy got away with par (71), having not won a major tournament since 2014. His lackluster day included three birdies and three bogeys.
PHOTO PAUL CHILDS, REUTERS
Rory McIlroy hits his second shot on the second hole on day one of the 151e British Open.
He sent his ball into a bunker on the last hole, but a 10-foot putt allowed him to conclude his round with a par on this hole.
McIlroy became number 2 in the world again by winning the Scottish Open last weekend.
Defending champion Cameron Smith committed five bogeys and played 72.
That’s one shot better than Canadians Corey Conners and Nick Taylor. The latter also entered five bogeys.
Phil Mickelson struggled with a score of 77, including a triple bogey at 18e hole. He won this tournament in 2013.