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Bernhard Langer grabs early lead at windy Senior Open Championship

By Ali Stafford

Monday 31 July 2017 10:35, UK

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Robert Lee and Andrew Coltart review Bernhard Langer's opening round at the Senior Open Championship.

Bernhard Langer grabbed a one-shot lead after a day of difficult scoring at the opening round of the Senior Open Championship.

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Senior Open Championship

The nine-time senior major champion, who won the event by a record 13 strokes the last time it was held at Royal Porthcawl, carded a two-under 69 in strong winds in south Wales.

Mauricio Molina eagled the last to join Carl Mason one off the pace, with Colin Montgomerie and Tom Lehman part of the group on level par.

BRIDGEND, WALES - JULY 27: Colin Montgomerie of Scotland hits an approach shot during the first round of the the Senior Open Championship presented by Ro
Image: Montgomerie is one of a number of players in a share of fifth

Langer recovered from bogeying his opening hole to post three birdies in a four-hole stretch from the third, before rolling in from six feet to reach the turn in 32.

The 59-year-old carded a three-putt bogey at the 11th and found the rough with his approach in to the 17th on his way to another blemish, but regained his lead with a two-putt gain at the last.

BRIDGEND, WALES - JULY 27: Bernhard Langer of Germany in action during the first round of the Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex at Royal Porthca
Image: Langer was in a group alongside John Daly (left)

Montgomerie replied to three bogeys in his first six holes by making back-to-back gains from the seventh and picking up another at the par-five 13th.

A bogey-five at the 17th was cancelled out by a final-hole game to get Montgomerie back to level-par, with the eight-time European No 1 pleased with his performance.

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"You have to be very, very patient in these conditions," Montgomerie said. "It's extremely difficult and scoring is extremely hard.

"We played conservative when we could and we attacked at the right time. I'm just delighted to get in. My goal is to be in contention on Saturday night, and I've made a reasonable start."

BRIDGEND, WALES - JULY 27: Colin Montgomerie of Scotland in action during the first round of the Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex at Royal Port
Image: Montgomerie missed the early part of the season after tearing ankle ligaments.

Tom Watson and 2004 Open champion Todd Hamilton both birdied the last to get to one over, as did John Daly after bouncing back from a three-putt double-bogey from six feet at the 17th.

Former major champions Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam both posted opening-round 74s, with Paul McGinley a further stroke back after dropping four strokes over his closing five holes.

Live European Seniors Tour Golf

Miguel Angel Jimenez birdied the 18th to card a five-over 76, while compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal shot a 78 and Sir Nick Faldo struggled to a eight-over 79.

Watch the Senior Open Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage begins on Friday from midday.

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