Kisner Leads British Open As Spieth Starts Title Defence With A Splutter

Carnoustie, UK, July 19 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2018 ) :Kevin Kisner of the United States surged to the top of the early British Open leaderboard on Thursday as Jordan Spieth's defence of the Claret Jug got off to an inauspicious start at Carnoustie.

Kisner went out in one of the first groups just before 8am (0700 GMT) and had an eagle and four birdies in his five-under-par round of 66 on a perfect summer's morning on Scotland's east coast.

"The golf course is great for me. The conditions have been fine," said the 34-year-old, who led going into the final round of last year's US PGA Championship before dropping away to finish tied for seventh.

"Going forward, you never know what you're going to have in Scotland. I know the rain is coming in tomorrow.

I don't think the rain is going to affect how the golf course is playing in one day, but I have to just keep doing what I'm doing." Americans have won the last five majors and will take some beating this week, with Spieth, world number one Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods all hoping to be in contention.

However, a poor end to his first round saw Spieth finish the day one over par after a 72.

He went to the 15th tee three-under, only to drop three shots on the next two holes. He then drove into the Barry Burn on the 18th, and ended with another bogey.

"It felt like a missed opportunity. I felt like I was really going well," said the Texan, who hopes that a turn for the worse in the weather forecast for Friday will spark an upturn in his fortunes.