Carnoustie - Sandy Lyle of Scotland sent a mid-iron rolling along the crusty turf of Carnoustie to start the 147th playing of the Open.
Lyle was chosen to hit the opening tee shot on Thursday morning under a grey sky off the North Sea.
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He won the Open in 1985. Also in the opening group was two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer and Englishman Andy Sullivan.
They faced a course that was more yellow than green because of the unusually dry summer in Scotland.
Carnoustie has been called "Car-Nasty" in recent Opens because it is considered the toughest links in the Open rotation.
This year's championship was more of a mystery going into the first round. Fast conditions are difficult, but being so dry means the rough is thin and wispy.