The Open 2024 LIVE: Golf leaderboard and scores as Daniel Brown leads after Rory McIlroy suffers nightmare

Daniel Brown is the shock leader of the Open Championship after a fabulous six-under round of 65 moved him into the lead on day one ahead of Shane Lowry.

The 2019 champion is one back on -5, with American Justin Thomas three off the lead on -3 after a first-round of 68 at a blustery Royal Troon on Thursday.

The PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele is in contention on two under alongside Sweden's Alex Noren, England's Justin Rose, Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard and American Russell Henley. While world No.1 and favourite Scottie Scheffler will be content to start with a round of 70 to sit on one under.

But world number two Rory McIlroy suffered a nightmare start with a round of 78 to leave him fighting to make the cut. Relive all the action from the 152nd Open Championship below:

The Open Championship 2024 - Royal Troon

• The 152nd Open Championship underway at Royal Troon in Scotland

• Leaderboard: -6 Brown; -5 Lowry; -3 Thomas

• -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Dean, Hughes

• Amercian Brian Harman finishes on +2 as he looks to defend his title

• Rory McIlroy (+7) suffers nightmare start to Open Championship

• The Open 2024 tee times: Full schedule for round two

The Open 2024 tee times: Full schedule for round two

Thursday 18 July 2024 22:10 , Jack Rathborn

Daniel Brown had a major championship debut he won’t soon forget. He birdied two of the last three holes Thursday in the British Open, giving him a 6-under 65 with just enough spectators still left in the twilight of Royal Troon to celebrate with him.

It gave him a one-shot lead over Shane Lowry, who played bogey-free for a 66 and his best start in 46 majors.

Lowry at least knew what to expect with an opposite wind that seemed to catch just about everyone off guard. He came to Troon two weeks ago and knew what to expect, and it paid off handsomely for the Irishman.

The Open 2024 tee times: Schedule for round two including Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy way off Open lead after not adapting well enough to conditions

Thursday 18 July 2024 22:00 , Chris Wilson

A downbeat Rory McIlroy effectively dismissed his chances of mounting a challenge for the 152nd Open after struggling to an opening 78 at Royal Troon.

McIlroy was level par after seven holes before running up a double bogey on the signature par-three eighth, the Northern Irishman’s first attempt to escape a bunker on the Postage Stamp coming back to his feet.

With the back nine playing downwind McIlroy was hopeful of repairing the damage, only to drive out of bounds on the 11th to run up another double bogey and eventually finish seven over par, 10 shots behind clubhouse leader Justin Thomas.

Rory McIlroy way off Open lead after not adapting well enough to conditions

Daniel Brown reacts to shock lead at The Open

Thursday 18 July 2024 21:44 , Jack Rathborn

“It got dark, it got a little bit tricky, but the wind dropped as well, six and two threes,” says Brown.

“You’ve got bright yellow scorecards, they’re hard to miss. I felt good all day.

“Very excited, you have to keep your feet on the ground. I’ll go out and do the best I can.”

Justin Thomas heading in ‘right direction’ after impressive start to Open

Thursday 18 July 2024 21:40 , Chris Wilson

A year after crashing out of the Open having made “bonehead mistakes”, Justin Thomas is a lot happier with his game after shooting a three-under 68 to take the clubhouse lead at Royal Troon.

Missing the cut by eight shots at Hoylake 12 months ago had the American worrying for his Ryder Cup place – although he would subsequently receive a captain’s pick – as he was struggling to find any form.

While things have picked up for him this year with five top-10 finishes, including eighth at last month’s US Open, he failed to make the weekend at the Masters or US PGA.

Justin Thomas heading in ‘right direction’ after impressive start to Open

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 21:38 , Jack Rathborn

Leaderboard: -6 Brown; -5 Lowry; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Dean, Hughes

Stunning scenes, Daniel Brown leads the Open!

He drains a beautiful putt on the last and as the sun begins to fade around Troon, we have a shock leader.

Ranked 272 in the world, Brown is in dreamland here, he’ll be back tomorrow at 11:04am with Denwit David Boriboonsub (+7) and Matthew Dodd-Berry (a) (+1) not in the same kind of form.

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau at wrong end of Open leaderboard on day one

Thursday 18 July 2024 21:20 , Chris Wilson

US Open rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau found themselves together at the wrong end of the leaderboard on day one of the 152nd Open.

A month after McIlroy’s nightmare finish at Pinehurst helped DeChambeau claim a second US Open title, the pair were facing an uphill battle simply to make the cut in the year’s final major at Royal Troon.

McIlroy was level par after seven holes of his opening round before running up a double bogey on the signature par-three eighth, the Northern Irishman’s first attempt to escape a bunker on the Postage Stamp coming back to his feet.

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau at wrong end of Open leaderboard on day one

Report: Shane Lowry cards flawless 66 to lead The Open

Thursday 18 July 2024 21:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Shane Lowry made the ideal start to his bid for a second Open title as Rory McIlroy effectively wrote off his chances of doing the same at Royal Troon.

Lowry carded a flawless 66 to hold a two-shot lead over former world number one Justin Thomas after McIlroy struggled to an opening 78.

It was a contrast which immediately brought to mind the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush, when Lowry started with a 67 on his way to the Claret Jug and McIlroy’s chances were blown away with a 79.

Shane Lowry cards flawless 66 to lead The Open after Rory McIlroy disaster

The Open TV Channel: How to watch golf major at Troon and latest odds

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:54 , Sonia Twigg

The 152nd edition of The Open returns to Royal Troon as the Ayrshire course hosts the major for a tenth time.

Eight years on since a memorable final-round duel between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson, the world’s best golfers again descend on a picturesque patch of Scottish coastline for the most famous links test in the sport.

As ever, Rory McIlroy will be in the spotlight at the final major of the men’s golfing year after the Northern Irishman’s near miss at the US Open continued his long drought.

The Open TV Channel: How to watch golf major at Troon and latest odds

Justin Thomas speaks after three-under 68

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

I’m very pleased with my game and know things are continuing to work in the right direction. I’ve just got to keep trying to play well,” Thomas said. “I feel like everything has been turning the right way and I’ve been working on the right things. I haven’t really had much to show for it but that’s just how this game works sometimes.

“But I know that I’m close: the shots I’m hitting, the scores I’m shooting. I’m doing a lot of things a lot better, I would say. When I’m out there playing I feel like I’m hitting a lot of really quality shots or drives and just getting nothing out of it.”

Rory McIlroy highlights Troon ‘surprise’ that leaves Open dreams in tatters

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:37 , Sonia Twigg

Rory McIlroy had a first round to forget at The Open, dropping several shots in tricky weather conditions at Royal Troon.

He made a double bogey at the Postage Stamp eighth hole and his chances of winning The Open now appear slim at best. Only two of the last nine winners of the tournament have carded a double bogey during the week.

McIlroy was five over par after the bogey and looked visibly frustrated following two attempts to get out of a particularly difficult bunker.

“I felt like I did okay for the first part of the round but then I missed the green at the Postage Stamp and made a double,” he said.

Rory McIlroy highlights Troon ‘surprise’ that leaves Open dreams in tatters

Shane Lowry speaks after clubhouse-leading 66

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

“It was enjoyable. I got off to a bit of an iffy start and holed a couple of nice par putts early on and then I was off and running,” Lowry told Sky Sports.

“I holed a putt to go into the lead and I thought ‘It’s the first time I’ve led The Open in five years’.”

Asked whether he was playing as well as 2019, he added: “I’ve no idea. I managed to roll a few putts in and I always say if I keep holing putts putts I can be dangerous.”

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:20 , Jack Rathborn

Leaderboard: -5 Lowry; -4 Brown; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele

That is a phenomenal round of golf from former champion Shane Lowry.

The Irishman fires a 66 with a birdie on the last to secure a one-shot lead over surprise contender Daniel Brown.

The world No. 272 won the ISPS Handa World Invitational last year by five strokes, so when he’s hot, he’s very hot.

But today’s opening round will be remembered for the bad, as well as the good, after McIlroy’s disastrous round of 78 leaves him 12 shots off the pace.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:12 , Sonia Twigg

Here are some photos of Brown in action:

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:05 , Sonia Twigg

-4; Lowry, Brown; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele

Dan Brown still has six holes to play, and will have one of the late finishes today. His tee shot on 13 is good and straight onto the middle of the fairway.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 19:54 , Sonia Twigg

-4; Lowry, Brown; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele

Jordan Spieth hits an Eagle! He rolls in a 16-foot putt on the 16th.

Scheffler cannot match Spieth, but settles for a birdie.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 19:52 , Sonia Twigg

This is one of the pieces of action earlier, via PA:

Woods almost joined McIlroy in driving out of bounds on the 11th, but although his original ball was found in play, the 15-time major winner had to take a penalty drop from a bush and carded another double bogey.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 19:47 , Sonia Twigg

Further down the list, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are both on +7, with the Northern Irishman currently sitting joint 132rd. It has not been one to remember for either of them so far.

Slightly bizarre first round from them.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 19:42 , Sonia Twigg

-4 Lowry, Brown; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele

Dan Brown is having a flyer! He has gone level with Shane Lowry at the top of the leaderboard!

He holed a birdie at 11, but this run has come from nowhere!

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 19:18 , Sonia Twigg

-4 Lowry; -3 Thomas, Brown; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose,

Dan Brown, the 29-year-old Englishman, has moved to tied second with a birdie on the 10th.

It is his first major.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:59 , Chris Wilson

-4 Lowry; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Jordan, Henley, Hughes, Brown

Schauffele narrowly misses another birdie attempt but he’ll tap in for par.

Woods has a par attempt on the 15th, and he makes it to stay on +6.

Scheffler can’t find the distance on the birdie putt, and he takes par. Spieth finally finds the birdie on the 13th though, and he’s back to level par.

Lowry looks to extend his early lead with a birdie on the 14th, and he’s inches wide with his effort from just off the green.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:51 , Chris Wilson

-4 Lowry; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Schauffele, Jordan, Henley, Hughes, Brown

Fitzpatrick sinks a straightforward putt for the birdie on the 13th, and he moves into the chasing pack on -2.

Morikawa, who’s fallen to thee over, sinks a brilliant putt to gain one shot.

Koepka, who’s moved back to -1, makes the fairway with his tee shot on the 15th.

Scheffler’s approach shot on the 13th is good, and he’ll have a slim chance at a birdie. Spieth tries to emulate it and it’s not a bad effort, though it’d be an impressive birdie if he were to make it.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:44 , Chris Wilson

-4 Lowry; -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Schauffele, Jordan, Henley, Koepka, Hughes, Brown

Schauffele has bogeyed the 14th and he drops back to two under, but it won’t phase him too much.

Scheffler has the putt for par on the 12th, but it’s miscued and he’ll bogey to go back to even.

Woods is still looking to claw some ground back as he begins the 15th on +6.

Lowry, who birdied the last hole to move back into the outright lead, chips onto the green from the rough and has a great opportunity for the up and down.

On the 15th, Koepka lands his putt narrowly wide, and he’ll be on par once more at -1.

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:32 , Chris Wilson

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:30 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas, Schauffele, Lowry; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Jordan, Henley, Koepka, Hughes, Brown

Scheffler tees off on the 13th and it carries for 260 yards but lands in the rough.

Woods tees off on the 14th as he approaches the end of a pretty miserable day, and he makes the green but it’ll be hard to do better than par.

Lowry’s third shot on the 12th is chipped onto the green, but he’s another who’ll do well to better a par.

Schauffele tees off on the 14th, and he overruns the green. He could easily drop a shot here.

Jaime Montano, the amateur who started the day with an eagle, lands a birdie on the eighth to go to even.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:24 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas, Schauffele, Lowry; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Jordan, Henley, Koepka, Hughes, Brown

It hasn’t happened for Cam Young yet today, but he finally gets the birdie to get back to even.

Straka misses the birdie attempt on the 18th and he’ll finish the day on -1.

And Scheffler has his first birdie in what seems like forever, sinking the putt on the 11th to take himself to -1.

On the 14th, Schauffele misses the birdie shot but he should make par to stay three under.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:19 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas, Schauffele, Lowry; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Jordan, Henley, Koepka, Hughes, Brown

Straka is back into a bit of form as he approaches the end of the day, sinking a birdie putt on the 17th to take him back into the red.

Koepka’s approach on the 13th lands just wide of the green, but Jason Day misses the birdie opportunity on the 16th to stay on two over.

Schauffele has the chance to grab the lead on the 13th, but he misses the birdie putt and stays in the joint lead.

Woods has a par attempt from deep in the green, but it skims the hole and he’ll be up to +7.

Scheffler tees off on the tricky par-three 11th, and it’s a safe shot.

Woods tees off on the 13th and it’s better from the 15-time major winner, landing fairly centrally and setting him up for the approach.

Shane Lowry has moved into an outright lead after sinking a 20-foot putt that takes him to -4! He slices his tee shot on the 12th though, and he’ll have to escape the rough.

Scheffler will have a slim chance at a birdie after his approach shot lands a few feet from the pin. Spieth has an even better chance as his shot lands closer, with the American looking to move from +1.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 18:02 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas, Schauffele, Lowry; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Jordan, Henley, Koepka, Hughes

Scheffler makes his seventh par in a row on the 10th, and he stays on even. Spieth manages to save par on the same hole after putting a pitch to within a few feet and getting the putt.

Woods could only manage the double bogey on the 11th, and he’s on +6 now.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 17:53 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Jordan, Hughes, Montojo

Spieth’s approach shot on the 10th lands within a few feet of the pin, and he should make par from there.

Grillo, who was on -2 at one point, has double bogeyed and will go back to even.

Scheffler skims the birdie attempt but he’ll make par.

Schauffele has the birdie attempt on the 11th, and he sinks it beautifully to move up alongside Lowry with a joint lead at -3.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 17:48 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Jordan, Hughes, Montojo

Koepka tees off on the 12th, and it carries well before landing centrally.

Spieth, who’s fallen to +1, tees off on the 10th but drags it into the rough.

Lowry saves himself on the 10th and lands the shot for par to stay in the lead.

Woods is looking to salvage a shot from the rough on the 11th, and he’s already taken two shots – his third is better though, getting him within touching distance of the green.

Thursday 18 July 2024 17:38 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Jordan, Hughes, Montojo

Scheffler misses a difficult birdie attempt and he’ll likely stay on even.

Hoge moves up to two under after birdieing the ninth, while Koepka sinks the birdie on the 11th to move back up to -2.

Scheffler makes par on the ninth to stay even – it’s not happened for him so far today.

Woods lands near the train track off the tee on the 11th, and he’s potentially looking at the double bogey.

Thursday 18 July 2024 17:31 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Jordan, Hughes, Montojo

Matthew Jordan has moved up to -2, while Henrik Stenson continues his bad day by making par for +5.

Morikawa, who’s on +3, miscues his shot and will likely make par at best.

Lowry makes par on the ninth to stay in the lead, while Fitzpatrick makes par on the same hole to stay at -1.

Scheffler makes his approach from the rough around 204 yards out, but it runs past the pin.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 17:23 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Hughes, Montojo

Xander Schauffele stays on -2 on the 10th, while Lowry remains tied for the lead as he tees off on the ninth.

Scheffler makes par on the ninth and he stays on even.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 17:13 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Schauffele, Hughes, Montojo

Woods makes par on the ninth and what was a promising first few holes now needs to be fixed on the back nine.

Scheffler misjudges a difficult putt and he’ll make par to stay on even. Spieth does the same and he makes par once more.

Lowry moves into a surprise lead after birdie on the eighth!

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:57 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Koepka, Schauffele, Hughes, Montojo

Koepka’s second shot on the nine lands wide of the green, but he’ll back himself for par with the form he’s shown so far today.

Scheffler misses the chance for a birdie on the sixth, but par should be easy from there.

Matsuyama has just gone short with the birdie attempt on the ninth, so he’ll stay on +2 for now.

Sepp Straka has fallen back to even from -2, and he doesn’t look like gaining a shot on the 13th either.

Matt Fitzpatrick has the birdie attempt on the seventh from deep into the green, but it’s too tall a task and he’ll have to settle for par and even for now.

Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka has dropped a shot and he falls to -1 after missing what he’ll probably admit should’ve been an easy putt for him.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:49 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Koepka, Schauffele, Hughes, Montojo

Woods’ gets out of the rough on the eighth but he’ll probably have to settle for a bogey – and that he does, to stay on +4.

Patrick Cantlay is back to even after a brilliant chip from the bunker kisses the top of the hill and rolls straight in for a birdie!

Xander Schauffele moves onto -2 after he birdies the eighth.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:45 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Koepka, Hughes, Montojo

Rory McIlroy is speaking to Sky after his day of +7, and he says the conditions got the better of him.

Schauffele, who’s one under, lands within a few feet of the flag with his tee shot on the eighth. Woods tees off next, and it’s overhit, bouncing off the green and into the rough past the hole.

Montojo has made par on the second hole, so he stays at two under, while Canadian MacKenzie Hughes has moved to -2 as well. Koepka has got himself out of trouble on the Postage Stamp bunker, chipping to within a few feet of the pin, so he’ll likely make par to stay on two under as well.

Jason Day has sunk a huge putt to take himself to -1, and there’s another good start for an amateur as Matthew Dodd-Berry birdies the first!

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:35 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka, Montojo

Spieth digs himself out of the bunker on the fifth, but he’ll still lose a shot here. Scheffler has the birdie attempt on the same hole, but he misjudges it.

Birdie misses all round it seems, as Schauffele misses on the seventh too!

Koepka tees off on the eighth, but it runs into the bunker and he may have to settle for par as well.

Woods is sitting yards away for par, but he puts it wide too, and that’ll be him on +3.

Below is that eagle on the first from Spanish amateur Jaime Montojo.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:28 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka, Montojo

Spieth is teeing off on the par-three fifth. 214 yards to the hole...and he lands in the greenside bunker.

Scheffler follows – much better, and he’s got the chance for a birdie, though it won’t be an easy one.

Woods tees off on the par-four seventh, and it avoids the bunkers.

Straka will lose at least one shot on the 11th as he misses the putt for par.

Some scores from selected others include:

- Matt Fitzpatrick – E thru 5

- Jason Day – E thru 10

- Wyndham Clark – E thru 7

- Hideki Matsuyama – +1 thru 6

- Phil Mickelson – +2 thru 8

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:20 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka, Montojo

We’ve had a brilliant start from an amateur now, as Spaniard Jaime Montojo has double birdied the first hole! Let’s hope he can keep it up.

Scheffler’s birdie attempt on the fourth lips out, and he’ll stay on even for now. Schauffele will make par on the sixth too after his approach shot lands kindly and his putt lands a few inches short. Woods has a birdie attempt on the same hole, but it’s wide and he’ll have to settle for par.

Straka gets out of the rough on his third shot, but it’ll be a bogey at best for the Austrian.

And how about this from Clarke on the Postage Stamp eighth? He birdied it in the end, but what an effort.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 16:11 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Woods begins the sixth with a promising tee shot, and his second is decent too, landing in a fairly kind position on the fairway.

Koepka has dragged himself to within two shots of the lead, birdieing the last two holes to get himself to -1. Shane Lowry has joined him there after sinking the birdie putt on the fourth.

Morikawa has dropped to +1 after landing himself in the bunker, and he’ll make par at best.

Scheffler has a decent chance at a birdie on the fourth if he can nail the approach – it’s close, but he could easily make it.

Straka has teed off on the 11th but it’s lying deep in the rough.

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:57 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Phil Mickelson has birdied the last two holes to get himself up to one over.

Schauffele hits a brilliant tee shot on the fifth to give himself a great chance of a birdie, and he follows up by draining the putt to take him to -1.

Woods lands in the bunker from his tee shot on the fifth. He scoops it out, but it runs into the rough and he’s looking like making a bogey at best – he’s narrowly wide though and it’ll be a double bogey for +2.

Scheffler makes the green from his second shot on the third to set up the birdie attempt, and he sinks it easily for even. Spieth follows it with a lovely chip, the backspin on which takes it to within tap-in distance, and he should get a birdie too.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:48 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Woods skims the hole as he misses par on the fourth, but he’s still on even for the day (though it’s early).

Jason Day is another who’s creeping up the leaderboard having entered the back nine, and he’s on -1.

Cam Smith has had an eventful start, as he follows a bogey and a triple bogey with a birdie for +3 through the first three.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:41 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Woods’ approach on the fourth finds the green, but it’ll be very difficult to get the birdie from there. Schauffele follows with a marginally better effort. Woods measures it up but he sends it wide and long, and Schauffele

Scheffler narrowly misses the birdie attempt to take him to even, but he should make par again.

Koepka tees off on the par-three fifth and it’s probably the closest we’ve come to a hole-in-one so far, landing for a tap in that would take him to even too.

Spieth makes par to carry on at even after two holes.

Morikawa is up to one over as he tees off on the fourth, and it’s dragged wide as it bobbles into the rough. Up on the green, Cantlay drains a great birdie to take himself to even.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:33 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Woods manages to avoid the rough on his tee shot on the fourth.

Sepp Straka birdies the 7th and moves back to within one shot of the lead.

Koepka is two over as he takes his third shot of the par-five fourth, and it’s a good effort to give himself hope of a birdie...and he lands it, taking him to one over!

Meanwhile Rob MacIntyre has finished for the day on +1, so still in with a shout after his victory last week at the Scottish Open.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:23 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

McIlroy’s tee shot on the 18th has landed in the bunker, and he chips out onto the fairway in a kind position for the approach shot.

Schauffele gets the line perfect for the birdie putt but there’s not enough power on it, and he begins with par on the first hole.

Meanwhile Scheffler will struggle for par on the first after chipping out of the bunker – he misses it and taps in for a bogey. Spieth will land a par shot after narrowly passing with the birdie attempt.

Cantlay skims the hole with what should’ve been an easy putt, and he starts on one over.

And Woods brings in the cheers after sinking a beautiful putt on the third for -1. Perfect line, pushing it right to left, and it brings a fit pump from the 15-time major winner.

The Open 2024: Latest updates – Harman finishes on +2

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:17 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

DeChambeau has finished on +5 for the day, so a disappointing day for the US Open winner.

Straka is back onto -1 as he tees off on the eighth, and it’s a lovely shot as he lands near the pin for the tap in and a birdie.

Woods’ approach shot on the third lands just off the green, but he’s set up for another par. Spieth does similar on the first hole, and he should start on par too.

Defending champion Brian Harman has finished with a bogey and a par, so he ends the day on +2.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 15:13 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

McIlroy stays on +6 on the 17th, and it’s looking like he’ll be struggling come tomorrow.

Woods makes par on the second to stay on even, and his tee shot on the third is exactly what he wanted too.

Jordan Spieth steps out onto the tee at the head of the second big US trio, followed by Scottie Scheffler. The former lands more centrally, but neither shot is a bad one.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:55 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

Colin Morikawa – who’ll be part of Team USA in Paris later this month – is the next big name to tee off, and he starts with a lovely shot that carries for just over 200 yards and lands centrally.

McIlroy’s second shot is lying deep in the rough, and he scoops it out onto the green but it’s looking like par at best.

Xander Schauffele makes par on the first hole, while Matsuyama takes the up and down opportunity for a great start at -1.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:47 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

McIlroy tees off on the par-five 16th and it’s a decent start, but his second shot takes him into the rough.

Clark makes par on the first hole, while Matsuyama chips himself out of the bunker for the up and down opportunity.

Woods’ approach shot gets a cheer as he lands on the green, and Schauffele is a little bit less lucky as he lands in the greenside bunker.

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood misses par on the 18th and taps in for a bogey that takes him to +5 on the day. Rahm just about makes par, and he finishes the day on +2.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:40 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Henley skims the hole on the birdie attempt, and he’ll finish the day as part of the group on -2. Finau misses an easy birdie for -1, and he finishes the day on even.

And big cheers as the first trio of Americans makes its way to the first tee. Tiger Woods is first, and he’s on the fairway, followed by Schauffele who lands a tiny distance away. Cantlay steps up to finish the trio, and he does slightly better with a more central shot that carries for 196 yards.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:34 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, Straka

Henley is onto the 18th and his second shot lands on the green. We’ll check back to see if he can join Thomas in the lead.

DeChambeau lands a brilliant eagle on the 15th to take him to +5 – can he salvage anything else from a disappointing day?

Sepp Straka joins the group on -2 after birdieing the fifth.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:29 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

We’re around 15 minutes away from the tee-off time for US trio Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

In the meantime, Wyndham Clark is teeing off, and he lands in the rough to begin the day. Matsuyama follows, but his shot swings left and into the crowd. Brooks Koepka is last in this group, and he gets off to a similar start as he lands in the rough too.

Rahm is teeing off on the 17th, and he’s just about on the green on the par three.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:20 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

Jon Rahm does pretty well to get off 16 with just a bogey. He was in the long stuff after his second shot and a poor third didn’t exactly help him out.

All the way back on the first green, Phil Mickelson, who has good memories of this course, gets his round going with a bogey after sliding a par putt past the left side of the hole.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:16 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

Here’s Justin Thomas finishing off his opening round of 68. He’s the current leader and has the safety of being in the clubhouse.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:11 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley

It’s a bogey at 12 for Maverick McNealy who had been playing well and settling for consistent pars. That’s another instance of the course taking a shot back after a player goes slightly out of position.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:09 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

Here’s a look at the big names teeing off in the next hour or so which include Tiger Woods, Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler:

2.26 - Wyndham Clark, Brooks Koepka, Hideki Matsuyama

2.37 -Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Tiger Woods

2.48 - Collin Morikawa

2.59 - Matthew Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Cameron Smith

3.10 - Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:05 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

Oh Jon.

Rahm’s second shot on the 16th, a par-5 with potential for birdies, is a big fade that catches the wind. ‘Four right’ shouts the Spaniard as his ball sails into the rough. Not a great shot that one.

His playing partner, Tommy Fleetwood, fizzes his second shot over the back of the green and finishes up next to the stand. If he can get up-and-down from there it’ll be a birdie.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 14:01 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

Henley can’t convert the birdie chance at the par-5 16th and settles for a nice par. He remains one stroke off the lead and will have his sights set on getting into the clubhouse without any errors.

A hole further back, Tom Kim slides a right-to-left putt across the green from 10-feet or so and records a birdie. That drops him back to +3 but there are a couple of holes he can attack on the way in.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:58 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

Jason Day has given himself a couple of chances to score early but hasn’t been able to take either of them. Still these are welcome pars on the first two holes for the Australian who is easing into this round.

That’s good! On 16 Russell Henley flicks his third shot on the green with a touch of top spin. The ball rolls on and weighs up around three or four feet from the hole.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:53 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

Oh my. That one is going to hurt Sam Hutsby. He’s on the eighth, the postage stamp par-3, and misses the green off the tee. He can only recover to leave a bogey putt but leaves it wide of the hole.

It’s a five for the Englishman who drops back to one under.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:49 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas, Hutsby; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

Jon Rahm has a birdie putt from the edge of the green on 15. He’s a long way out and nails his foot. Halfway to the hole it looks as though the ball is flying past but it slows up and just trickles by the hole.

Playing with him, Robert MacIntyre leaves his birdie effort short of the hole.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:46 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas, Hutsby; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:41 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas, Hutsby; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy

That is good. Sam Hutsby takes his share of the lead with a third birdie of the day at the seventh. He’s been remarkable consistent at the start of this round and could set a very tough score to catch if he keeps this going.

At 13, Brian Harman wobbles a birdie putt just to the left of the hole and grimacez when it fails to drop. He fancied that one.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:38 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Wallace

Last year’s champion Brian Harman has pushed through the terrible weather from earlier for a round of level par after 13 holes.

Up ahead Russell Henley has three holes to go following a solid par on the 15th. He’s one shot behind leader Justin Thomas and will be very happy with his round so far.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:35 , Mike Jones

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Wallace

Rory McIlroy has had a bit of a shocker. He’s five over after 11 and needs to finish off this round well. A fine chip off the side of the green on 12 leaves him with a four footer for par.

On the same hole Tyrell Hatton flicks his third shot out of the bunker and should also have a regulation par putt.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:34 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Kim, Wallace

A couple of bogeys are followed by a birdie for Kim, so he’s on to -1 now.

Jason Day and Rickie Fowler are teeing off now, and the former makes a decent start to land on the fairway, while Fowler gets himself out of the rough to land on the green with his second shot.

Harman makes par again, staying at even for the day. Rahm has the chance for par on the 14th, and he makes it to stay on even too.

Kirk goes short with the birdie attempt, though he should make par to stay one shot behind.

McIlroy chips onto the green with his third shot on the 12th, but the best he can hope for is par.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:25 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Wallace

Hutsby narrowly misjudges the putt for the birdie and the joint lead, but he should make par.

McIlroy tees off on the 12th and it’s a little better, narrowly creeping onto the fairway. Rahm tees off on the 14th and it just overruns the green.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:22 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Wallace

A few more players have finished for the day, with Matt Wallace ending on -1.

Rahm does indeed bogey the 13th, so he’s one over for the day. Henley takes his second shot on the 14th from within the crowd, but he might struggle to make par here... or not. He drains the putt and stays with the leaders!

Lawrence lips out on the birdie shot on the eighth, so he stays on -1.

McIlroy has double-bogeyed the 11th, so he’s on +5 for the day, and Max Homa makes birdie on the same hole to go up to +4.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:13 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Kim, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Wallace

Rahm’s third shot lands on the green, but again he’s done himself no favours. He misses the par putt, and he’ll go on to +1 at least.

DeChambeau is still on +6 as he makes his way through the 12th, and it’s better from the American as his chip lands next to the hole.

Justin Rose is speaking to Sky Sports after his opening round of 69, and he says he’s “a touch disappointed” after feeling like “there were opportunities on the front and back nine”.

“Lots of things that could have gone the other way on another day though, so overall pretty happy,” adds the Englishman.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 13:07 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Henley, McNealy, Kim, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Kirk, Wallace

McIlroy’s first putt attempt on the 10th falls short, and his attempt for par is narrowly wide, so he’s up down to three over now. More misery as he hooks his tee shot out of bounds on the 11th. His second attempt lands on the fairway, but it won’t do him much good at this point.

Rahm has hooked his tee shot out of bounds too, though he’s taken the drop on the 13th.

Hutsby sinks a difficult putt on the fifth to stay with the early leaders, while Henley falls short on the birdie attempt to stay on -2 after 13 holes.

Kirk will drop out of the leading pack after missing the putt for par.

Harman has the birdie attempt on the 11th but it’s wide once more, and he’ll stay on even.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:56 , Chris Wilson

-3 Thomas; -2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Kirk, Henley, McNealy, Kim, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Henley, Wallace

Justin Thomas has the birdie attempt to take the outright lead on the 18th...and he takes it! He’s birdied the last two holes and takes a deserved lead for now.

Harman remains on even as he tees off on the 11th, and it’s a great shot too as he lands on the left of the fairway.

McIlroy looks frustrated once more as his second shot on the par-four 10th lands on the boundary of the green. Looks like par once more for the Northern Irishman, who’s +2 at the moment.

Fleetwood, who’s also on +2, narrowly misses the birdie attempt on the 11th, but he should make par.

Rahm has a birdie attempt on the 12th to take himself to -1, but he’s slightly misjudged it.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:46 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Thomas, Kirk, McNealy, Kim, Hutsby; -1 Scott, Henley, Wallace

Defending champion Harman with an impressive shot to get himself out of the rough and within a few yards of the pin on the 10th.

Surprisingly, English debutant Sam Hutsby has joined the early leaders after birdies at the third and fourth.

Meanwhile, 2016 champion Henrik Stenson – who won the Open the last time it was held here – has teed off, though he slightly hooks his shot and it lands just off the fairway.

He’s still on +4, but Stephen Jäger gets the first eagle of the day on the 14th.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:41 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Thomas, Kirk, McNealy, Kim; -1 Scott, FInau, Henley

Rose has a difficult putt for birdie and the lead, but he misses it and taps in to end the day on -2.

Thomas has birdied the 17th, so he joins the leaders on -2. His tee shot on the 18th is clean, landing on the right of the fairway.

And Kirk is the latest to narrowly miss a putt for birdie, so he’s likely to stay on -2 as well.

Rahm misses the birdie shot on the 11th, so he’ll likely stay on even par.

McIlroy makes par on the ninth to stay on +2.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:35 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Kirk, McNealy, Kim; -1 Scott, FInau, Thomas, Henley

McIlroy’s lying deep in the rough but his second shot is better, landing just wide of the green on the par-five ninth.

Rahm is looking to claw his way back into contention as he makes his way through the par-four 11th, but he won’t make a birdie here.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:31 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Kirk, McNealy, Kim; -1 Scott, FInau, Thomas, Henley

Hojgaard makes the putt for par and ends the day on 69, two under and equal to clubhouse leader Alex Noren.

Justin Rose is on the 18th too now, and his approach shot – from 151 yards – overruns the pin, but will give him the chance for a birdie.

Thomas tees off on the 17th and splits the pin and the greenside bunker, with a slight opportunity for a birdie.

McNealy has joined the leaders on -2. Harman, who was one over as he began the back nine, hits to within a couple of yards of the pin with his third shot on the ninth.

McIlroy double-bogeyed the eighth, so he’s on +2. He slices into the rough with his tee shot on the ninth too.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:22 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Kirk, McNealy, Kim; -1 Wallace, Olesen, Thomas

Fairly close to a hole-in-one from Rose as his tee shot just skips wide of the hole on the 17th. His putt for birdie lands a little short though.

Adam Scott looks to rejoin the leaders on his last hole of the day, and his second shot lands him on the green and with a good chance at a birdie. He drags it wide, though he should make par.

Hojgaard is looking for an outright lead as he finishes, and his second shot of the hole gives him a decent chance of a birdie too. He drags it wide too, though he’ll go in with the lead.

Back to McIlroy on the bunker on the eighth...he chips it out but it rolls back in, and he’s bemused. He gets out on the third shot though. He misses the bogey attempt too...

On the 10th, Rahm narrowly misses one of the shots of the day as his chip lips out, but he makes par.

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:14 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Kirk, Kim; -1 Wallace, Olesen, Thomas

McIlroy has a nine-yard putt for a birdie on the seventh, but he drags it wide.

A measured chip gets Harman out of the greenside bunker on the eighth, but he’ll struggle to make par here. Moments after, McIlroy’s tee shot on the same hole rolls wide and lands in the same bunker.

Hojgaard putts for par on the 17th and stays with the leaders.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:05 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Rose, Kirk, Kim; -1 Wallace, Olesen, Thomas

Kim makes par on the third hole to stay with the leaders on -2, though Adam Scott and Russell Henley have fallen to -1.

DeChambeau is now six over after just eight holes as he bogeys the Postage Stamp eighth.

Thomas chips onto the green with his third shot on the 15th, but he won’t be making the birdie here. He does make par though.

Rose’s third shot on the par-five 16th lands him within touching distance of the birdie that would give him an outright lead.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 12:00 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Scott, Rose, Kirk, Henley, Kim; -1 Wallace, Olesen, Thomas

Thomas tees off on the 15th looking to claw his way back into the leading pack, but his shot lands in the rough.

Hojgaard tees off on the par-three 17th, but his shot overruns the pin. On the 16th, Rose lands on the fairway with his tee shot and narrowly misses the bunker with his second shot, setting him up with a potential birdie attempt.

McIlroy’s approach shot on the seventh is a little overhit, but he’s still on for par.

Harman misses the birdie attempt on the seventh, with a difficult left-to-right putt landing wide.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:56 , Chris Wilson

-2 Noren, Hojgaard, Scott, Rose, Kirk, Henley, Kim; -1 Wallace, Olesen, Thomas

Rose is still on -2 as he tees off on the par-five 16th, while Hojgaard moves onto -2 after birdieing the same hole.

Finau’s birdie putt on the ninth lips out but he taps in for par, and stays on -1.

Rahm is playing against the wind with his second shot on the ninth, and he lands off the green from 202 yards out.

McIlroy is still on even par as he makes his way through the seventh.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:50 , Chris Wilson

-2 Rose, Henley, Noren, Scott, Kim; -1 Hojgaard, Wallace, Olesen, Thomas

Rahm has his first birdie of the day as he sinks the putt on the eighth, and he’s onto even par. Kim has birdied his second hole of the day as well, so he’s on -2.

Justin Thomas starts the 14th with a tee shot that lands narrowly past the green, while Rose should make par after chipping onto the green on the 15th.

A good approach shot from Finau will give him a good chance at a birdie, while McIlroy misses the red, making par once more after misjudging his birdie putt.

DeChambeau starts the par-three eighth with a shot that overruns the green and ends in the rough.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:40 , Chris Wilson

-2 Thomas, Rose, Henley, Noren, Scott; -1 Hojgaard, Wallace, Olesen

McIlroy’s tee shot on the sixth is a good one, as is Home’s, with both landing within a few feet of each other to the right of the fairway.

Thomas landed in the rough with his tee shot on the 13th, but his second shot gets him onto the fairway before he chips onto the green with his third. He misses par, but should tap in for a bogey.

Finau has birdied the eighth and he is now one shot behind the leading pack.

Harman just about squeezes onto the green with his third shot on the sixth, but his birdie attempt overruns the pin.

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:33 , Chris Wilson

-2 Thomas, Rose, Henley, Noren, Scott; -1 Hojgaard, Wallace, Olesen

Adam Scott moves back to -2 as he birdies the 15th.

DeChambeau is in some trouble here as he double bogeys once more, and he’s on +5 after the sixth. There’s more frustration for Rahm too, as his birdie putt goes narrowly wide.

Meanwhile, a brilliant 23-yard chip has taken Minkyu Kim to -1 on the first hole.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:28 , Chris Wilson

-2 Thomas, Rose, Henley, Noren; -1 Hojgaard, Scott, Wallace, Olesen

Pars all round for McIlroy, Homa and Hatton on the fourth.

Matteo Manassero misses par as his putt skims the hole, and he’s back to even par.

Rahm is lying deep in the rough but he chips out, with his shot running narrowly past the pin but giving him a decent chance of making par.

Rose has the chance for birdie with a huge putt, but it runs narrowly wide and he’ll likely stay on -2.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:22 , Chris Wilson

-2 Thomas, Rose, Henley, Noren

Harman chips out of the greenside bunker on the fifth, but it overruns the pin by quite a distance.

Rahm is looking irritated as he starts the seventh by slicing his tee shot into the rough. MacIntyre fares better, landing fairly central on the fairway.

Thomas’s fourth shot is much better, and lands within what should be an easy distance for the putt (and a bogey) – but he misses it! A double bogey and he’s shaking his head as he goes back to -2.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:17 , Chris Wilson

-4 Thomas; -2 Rose, Hojgaard, Henley, Noren

It really hasn’t been DeChambeau’s day so far, and he drags another shot into the rough on the sixth. He’s +3 at the moment.

Rahm misses the birdie putt on the fifth but taps in for par. Rose stays on -2 after making par on the 13th.

Thomas takes the penalty shot and makes the fairway with his third, but he’ll likely bogey this hole at best.

McIlroy comes close with the putt for birdie, but it’s long.

Alex Noren has finished for the day, and he goes into day two on -2.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 11:10 , Chris Wilson

-4 Thomas; -2 Rose, Hojgaard, Henley

A great shot out the bunker from Rahm leaves him with an easy shot for par, which he makes. His approach on the par-five sixth is excellent, landing within a few feet of the pin for a great chance at a birdie.

Thomas escapes the 11th with par, and he looks both happy and relieved.

Aberg misses par on the fifth, and he moves back to even par. Defending champion Harman birdies the par-five fourth, and he moves to -1.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:59 , Chris Wilson

-4 Thomas; -2 A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard, Henley

Rahm begins the fifth by landing in the bunker.

Rose’s approach just creeps off the green on the 12th, while McIlroy birdies the third with a straightforward putt from about four feet. His tee shot for the fourth is wayward though, as he slices it into the rough.

Aberg’s birdie putt on the fourth lands agonisingly short, as does Wallace’s on the 11th.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:48 , Chris Wilson

-4 Thomas; -2 A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

Hojgaard’s birdie putt lands just short, but he’ll make par to stay on -2.

MacIntyre – whose birdie putt lipped out on the last hole – hooks his tee shot on the fourth and lands at the bottom of a hill.

Wallace looks to make up ground again and clips a nice shot onto the green for a decent chance at a birdie.

A great approach from McIlroy puts him near the pin and on target for a birdie too.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:44 , Chris Wilson

-4 Thomas; -2 A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

Olesen birdies the eighth and he’s -1 now.

A lovely approach from Hovland sets him up for the birdie and -1 too now.

Molinari has fallen down the board a little after a couple of disappointing holes, and he’s now even.

McIlroy makes par on the second and starts the third with a slightly more disappointing tee shot which just creeps onto the fairway.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:39 , Chris Wilson

-4 Thomas; -2 Henley, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

Another solid tee shot from McIlroy, once again on the fairway and setting up a straightforward approach. He doesn’t look happy though as he drags it wide of the pin, though it does land on the green. Max Homa, who’s on +2 after the first, gives himself a decent chance of a birdie.

Rahm hooks his approach shot and lands in the bunker on the third.

Disappointment for Wallace as he triple bogeys the eighth, and he’s back on -1, but Justin Thomas is looking happy as he makes the putt for -4 and a two-shot lead.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:24 , Chris Wilson

-4 Wallace, -3 Thomas; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

McIlroy’s second shot lands on the green but rolls a few yards downhill. His third shot is nicely chipped and will give him a good chance of making par – but he drags it wide and finshes on one over.

Thomas has the birdie attempt to take an outright lead, but he falls short on the eighth. Meanwhile, Wallace takes the lead instead, but the eighth hole starts a little less fortunately as he clips a shot into the rough.

DeChambeau, who dropped a shot at the first, makes par on the second.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:14 , Chris Wilson

-3 Wallace, Thomas; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

Big cheer for McIlroy as he stepped up to the tee, and it’s a decent first shot too, landing just to the left of the fairway around 150 yards from the pin.

Meanwhile Song has dropped out of the lead after a triple bogey on the 11th, and he’s now level par.

Molinari stays on -2 after putting for par.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:12 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace, Thomas; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

Despite the terrible weather the opening tee shot is a kind one.

A slight draw to bring the ball back into the middle of the fairway. Rory McIlroy excites the watching crowd with a booming opener right down the middle with his playing partners Max Homa and Tyrell Hatton joining him.

There hasn’t been many players in trouble off that tee yet.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:06 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace, Thomas; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

JT joins the leaders at three under. Back-to-back birdies for him on seven and eight puts the American in good stead ahead of the turn which has proven to be a bit tricky so far.

Rory McIlroy is making his way to the first tee. His group is heading out next.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 10:01 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard, Thomas

Shot of the day from Matt Wallace? Got to be, right?

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 09:58 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard, Thomas

The rain has been steadily increasing making the course more jeopardous. Especially if players miss their marks and head into the rough where the soggy, long grass can be difficult to get out of.

Younghan Song is currently dealing with this up on the 11th.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 09:53 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard, Thomas

Nice! Over on the seventh Justin Thomas rolls in a slight right-to-left putt from 10-feet or so to record birdie and move to two under.

Francesco Molinari leaves a birdie chance hovering over the cup further ahead on the eighth while Justin Rose flicks his second shot out of the bunker and leaves a five footer for par.

This will be a good save if he can slot in the putt.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 09:50 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau gets his round going with a decent drive on the first tee. He takes an iron and scurries up alongside the left-hand rough but it seems to be an okay lie.

Can DeChambeau replicate his previous form and compete in these windy links conditions this week? He’s off to a nice start.

The Open 2024: Latest updates

Thursday 18 July 2024 09:47 , Mike Jones

-3 Song, Wallace; -2 Noren, F. Molinari, A. Scott, Rose, Hojgaard

That’s is crazy good from Robert MacIntyre. He’s 56 feet away from the first hole and rolls his putt across the undulating green to leave the simplest of tap ins for a par.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website