The wait is over, and the race to see who will be named the “Champion Golfer of the Year” for 2022 has begun. The anticipation for the 150th Open Championship has been literally years in the making, the R&A returning to the Old Course at St. Andrews and sparing no expense to celebrate the long history of the game’s oldest championship. More than 290,000 spectators are expected for a week where sunny skies and firm-and-fast course conditions in the forecast.
The unknown? Just how things will play out. Will players overpower the Old Course, as some fear, or will the course continue to withstand the test of time? It’s time now to find out. Settle in and keep it here on Day 1 for the latest scores, news, highlights and analysis.
(Scroll down for the latest updates)
4:01 a.m.: If you’re just waking up, you’ll see a notable name atop the leaderboard: Webb Simpson. Notable because he’s a former major champion but also notable given he’s struggle so far in 2022. Yet the 2012 U.S. Open champion, playing in the first threesome, has been bouncing back and forth be at two and three under par. He’s right now at two under after a bogey on the 10th.
Here’s a glimpse at the birdie putt that got Simpson to three under after seven holes.
1:45 a.m.: A few house keeping matters. Here’s a look at the hole locations for the first round.
And an updated weather report:
1:30 a.m.: Chances are you were still in bed when the opening tee shot was struck to kick off the 150th Open. Have no fear, you can see it here, as Scotland’s own (and newest honorary member of the R&A) Paul Lawrie did the honors.