British Open: 5 Ams struggle in weather
British Open photo
SOUTHPORT, England (July 17, 2008)--The howling winds and driving rain that led to some of the highest opening-round scores ever for a host of the world's top golfers was just as tough on the five amateurs in the field at Royal Birkdale, site of the 2008 British Open.
England's Chris Wood was one of the lucky ones with an afternoon tee time, when the conditions had died down. The former Welsh Stroke Play champion leads the ams with a final score of 4-over 74, good for a tie for 39th.
Thomas Sherreard, the second English amateur in the field and a former two-time British Boys Championship winner, was next at 7-over 77.
Rounding out the amateur field is Australia's Rohan Blizard (78), France's Benjamin Hebert (79) and Netherland's Reiner Saxton (80).
U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate joins Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and Australia's Robert Allenby as the first day leaders at 1-under-69.
ABOUT THE British Open
The most coveted trophy in the game and one
of the most iconic in all of sport: more
commonly referred to as the Claret Jug.
Within
minutes of winning the British Open, the
"Champion Golfer of the Year" gets his name
engraved on that cup, and a place in golfing
history.
Amateurs have played an
important role in the tournament over the
years, with players like Sergio Garcia, Justin
Rose, and more recently Alfie Plant stepping
into the international limelight with their
golfing
performances.
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