TROON, Scotland - Sam Hutsby, a first-time British Open participant, experienced a mix of excitement and nerves as he teed off at Royal Troon. Despite a rocky start with a double bogey on the eighth hole, Hutsby remained grateful for the opportunity to compete at a major championship.
Hutsby's journey to the British Open was unexpected, as he had initially shifted his focus to coaching before deciding to give competitive golf another try. His experience at the Open has been eye-opening, with the crowds and energy adding to the challenge.
Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele, fresh off his PGA Championship win, shared a light-hearted moment with Tiger Woods, reflecting on their respective major victories. Woods, with 15 major titles, offered his congratulations to Schauffele, who secured his first major triumph.
Henrik Stenson, the 2016 British Open champion, faced a tough start at Royal Troon, including a triple bogey on the eighth hole. Stenson struggled with the wind conditions, leading to a challenging bunker shot and a higher score than anticipated.
Several past British Open champions, including John Daly, Justin Leonard, Ernie Els, and Todd Hamilton, endured a rough opening round, with Cameron Smith, the 2019 Open winner, also struggling. Smith attributed his high score to a combination of poor play and missed opportunities on the greens.
The tournament began with a touching tribute to Ivor Robson, the esteemed starter at the Open and the European Tour, who passed away last year. Robson's legacy was honored as the names of 158 players were announced, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport over his 41-year tenure.
