Tom Lewis Thrills at British Open

The oldest of the four major championships in golf, the British Open, teed off yesterday at the Royal St George's Golf Club in Kent. The current leaderboard is an odd mix of experience and youth, with English amateur Tom Lewis sharing top spot with the 40-year-old Dane Thomas Bjorn.

In sharing the lead overnight, the previously unknown Tom Lewis has set all sorts or records. It is the first time an amateur has led the championship in 43 years and his first round of 65 (five under par) is a record score by an amateur at the Open. Understandably, Lewis is ecstatic with his progress, revealing:

"I was just thrilled to be here, but to shoot 65 the first round was something I wouldn't have thought. I was just happy to get the drive off the tee at the first."

However, any thoughts of winning the tournament are a long way away, as there is still another three rounds of 18 holes to play before a winner is announced. What's more, if there are two or more players tied after all that, there is then a four-hole playoff to decide who pockets the £900,000 winner's pot.

The tournament is the only ‘major' to be held outside of the US and has been held annually since 1860 on one of nine golf courses in Scotland and England.

Share with friends