Bob Tway posted a fine four under par 67 to take the early lead at the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, with Royal Porthcawl proving a stern test so far, for the world-class field gathered in Wales.
While many players found the sunny, fiery course challenging, American Tway made four birdies in his bogey-free round.
The 1986 US PGA Champion believes his dedicated approach to links golf, which he admits he has not always had, helped him greatly.
“I think as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate links golf over here more and more,” said Tway. “When I was young I didn’t pay enough attention to it, and you have to because it’s such a contrast to what we play on at home.
“I just think this golf course is great. We don't get to play this type of golf ever, especially when the ball’s running this fast. So it was a pleasure just to play a nice round of golf on a fantastic course.”
The Welsh public have been out in vast numbers all day, with plenty up early to see off John Gould, as he got the tournament under way at 7am, before Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie and Fred Couples set off at 9.20am.
Watson, a five-time winner of the Open Championship on the main tour and three-time winner of the Senior Open Championship, delighted the large galleries with a birdie three at the first.
However, the 64 year old was made to pay for three late bogeys, as he posted a 74, while his compatriot Fred Couples recovered from an eight at the sixth hole to finish level par.
Colin Montgomerie was also part of that popular marquee group, and the in-form Scot posted a one over par 72 in the afternoon. While many were expecting double Senior Major Champion Montgomerie to be the pick of the Scottish players on Thursday afternoon, that honour belongs to Andrew Oldcorn.
The 54 year old was level through the turn, before two birdies on the back nine helped him card a 69.
Pedro Linhart is another European going well early on, the Spaniard battling his way to an impressive 70 on the opening day.
“It’s good to see my name up there on the leaderboard, especially on such a great course like this. This is such a good tournament as well, so I’m delighted,” said Linhart.
“I think from the tee I was strong today – I reckon I only missed one tee shot. That’s so important round here, as like all good links courses, you've got to put the ball in play. Overall, I felt quite good out there.”
With the scenic Welsh links of Royal Porthcawl proving testing for the world’s top Senior players, the likes of marquee group Miguel Ángel Jimenéz, Bernhard Langer and defending champion Mark Wiebe, will have to be at their best if they are to go as low as Tway.
