British Open update:Just when 1977 champion Tom Watson was contemplating an overnight lead after a glorious 65 in the first round of The Open at Turnberry, Miguel Angel Jimenez did what he does best and breezed into a one shot lead with a 22-foot birdie putt at the last - equalling the lowest first round in championship history.
Like Watson, his card was flawless, but he was two adrift when teeing off at the 17th before consecutive birdies saw him take the clubhouse lead in a typically laid back manner.
His 64 leaves him one shot ahead of the 59-year-old and former champion Ben Curtis.
Watson had recorded five birdies and no bogeys to lead by one from Australian John Senden, American Steve Stricker and Colombia’s Camillo Villegas.
It’s early days yet, but already the record books were out to confirm the oldest winner as Tom Morris, who was 46 when he won in 1867.
“Not bad for an almost 60-year-old,” Watson said. “I obviously enjoyed it, played very well, kept the ball in play and made a few putts. The golf course was defenceless today, the wind did not blow.
“I suspect by the end of the day, 65 will not be leading.”
Asked about his victory here 32 years ago, Watson added: “I don’t live in the past but it’s at the forefront of a lot of conversations this week.
“It’s amazing to think some of the guys playing in the tournament were not born in 1977. I played with Matteo Manassero today (the British Amateur champion) and he’s 16 years old.”
The oldest man in the 156-strong field claims he has never seen anything more stunning in golf than Tiger Woods winning the 2000 US Open by 15 shots.
But if he does go on to equal Harry Vardon's record six victories on Sunday it will surely take the place of that.
Greg Norman coming close to the Claret Jug at 53 last year has nothing on this.
"It would be amazing," said Watson, who underwent hip replacement surgery last October and at The Masters in April - his last major round - collapsed to an 83.
Graeme McDowellfinished on two under after a 68 to lead the Irish challenge, one ahead of Pádraig Harringtonand Rory McIlroywho totted up a 69, despite two bogeys and a double at the eighth.
Defending champion Harrington reached the 16th on one under but pulled his approach left and failed to get up and down in two.
The par-five 17th afforded him an immediate opportunity to strike back and he did just that but left a birdie putt short on the 18th to sign of a 69.
Paul McGinley, Damien McGraneand Darren Clarkeare one over, while debutant David Higginsis a shot adrift of them.
Tiger Woods is seven off the pace on one over. The world number one embarrassingly topped his second shot on the ninth, angrily throwing his club to the ground after a shot more akin to a weekend hacker, and was often wayward off the tee.
“I certainly made a few mistakes out there. Realistically I should have shot about one under or two under. I hit a couple of shots to the right and three-ripped a hole from about 15 feet and I didn’t take advantage of 17 (a par five). So there you have it.
“Hopefully tomorrow I can play better, clean it up and hit it. Put myself in the right direction.
“Unfortunately on the range my misses were right. The misses I had were the same shots I was missing on the range. I need to go to work on that.”
Woods was playing with a “very nervous” 17-year-old rookie, Ryo Ishikawa, but was outscored by the Japanese golfer, who’ll be a little calmer tomorrow when teeing off on two under.
