GULLANE, Scotland (AP) — With the sun poking through the clouds along the Scottish coast, the British Open is underway at Muirfield.
Australian Peter Senior hit the first shot Thursday, a drive down the middle of the fairway. The forecast called for warm, sunny conditions with temperatures climbing into the 70s.
Tiger Woods is the betting favorite, as usual, but the field appears wide open. Woods hasn’t won one of golf’s biggest events since the 2008 U.S. Open, with the last 20 major titles split among 18 players.
Adam Scott and Justin Rose captured the first two majors this year. Rory McIlroy has struggled with his game since switching equipment.
The Open is being held at Muirfield for the first time since 2002. The male- only club has come under fire for barring female members.