The Open: Jordan Niebrugge among amateur stars to shine at St Andrews
Last Updated: 16/07/15 10:17pm
America's Jordan Niebrugge leads the race for the Silver Medal at the 144th Open after an incredible first day for the amateur players at St Andrews.
Niebrugge was one of the earlier starters on Thursday and he took advantage to shoot a five-under 67, but five other amateurs also shot under-par rounds and at times threatened the leaders.
The 21-year-old qualified at Hillside last month and made the most of his Open debut, carding seven birdies, including one at the last to end the day two off the pace set by Dustin Johnson.
His round matched the low amateur record held since 1960 by Joe Carr.
"It was awesome out there," said Niebrugge. "We had an early tee time so it was good to be out there ahead of the wind. I definitely made the most of my opportunity."
Niebrugge's round looked like being eclipsed by a couple of young English players at one point, with Paul Kinnear and Ashley Chesters both having days to remember.
Kinnear looked like challenging Johnson for the lead when he raced to six under after 12 holes, but he dropped four shots in the last six holes, including a double bogey at the 17th, to finish with a 70.
"I was really happy with my first 12 holes and I knew it was going to be tough coming in because I've played here quite a lot," said Liverpudlian Kinnear.
"It was a real tough struggle and tough stretch, and I got a few unlucky bounces. Other days you could have missed the bunkers but they went in them. To finish two under on my first round in the Open, I'm really pleased."
Chesters was in one of the final groups on course and he was still bang in contention until the final three holes of his opening round.
An eagle at the 10th took him to five under, and Chesters remained on that score until dropping four strokes in the last three holes, two of them coming via a double bogey at the fairly straightforward closing hole.
Irishman Paul Dunne was one of the early leaders thanks to birdies at his first two holes, and he signed for an opening 69 which included just the one bogey.
Joining him on three under is Frenchman Romain Langasque, who recently won the Amateur Championship at Carnoustie. Langasque was one of the few players to improve his score on the tougher back nine at the Old Course, coming home in 34.
American Ollie Schniederjans was the sixth amateur in red figures, his two under 70 including six birdies, two bogeys and a double at the ninth.
