The first day of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush presented challenges for the Australian golfers, with Cam Smith almost missing his opening tee shot. Despite this, Smith ended the day on 1-over-par, sharing top honors among Australians with Adam Scott.
Smith and Scott are five shots behind leaders Jacob Skov Olesen from Denmark, China’s Haotong Li, Matt Fitzpatrick, South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and American Harris English, all at 4-under. New Zealand’s Dan Hillier led the Australasians with an even par 71.
Smith’s initial shot was a struggle, hooking quickly and traveling only 153 yards. He humorously remarked afterward, “I think I tried to hit that one underground,” after recovering for a bogey. He acknowledged giving himself a pep talk to improve his performance on the back nine.
Scott also faced difficulties but managed back-to-back birdies on holes 12 and 13 before a bogey on the 18th left him with a score of 72. Reflecting on his game in rainy conditions, he said, “It could have got away.”
Jason Day finished with a round of 2-over 73 after some early struggles but improved focus on the back nine. Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert both experienced setbacks at the par-4 18th hole during their rounds of 74.
Min Woo Lee expressed disappointment after ending three over par following consecutive bogeys from missed tee shots. Elvis Smylie and Ryan Fox face challenges ahead to make it to the weekend rounds after finishing with scores of 75 each.
All four rounds will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo starting Thursday at 3:30 pm AEST.
Australasian Scores:
– Daniel Hillier (NZ), 71 (E)
– Cameron Smith, 72 (+1)
– Adam Scott, 72 (+1)
– Jason Day, 73 (+2)
– Marc Leishman, 73 (+2)
– Lucas Herbert, 74 (+3)
– Min Woo Lee, 74 (+3)
– Ryan Fox (NZ), 75 (+4)
– Elvis Smylie, 75 (+4)
– Ryan Peake, 77 (+6)
– Curtis Luck, 80 (+9)
