Brown takes shock British Open lead as stars struggle

Troon, United Kingdom — Unheralded Englishman Daniel Brown shot into a shock lead of the British Open at six under par as Rory McIlroy was among the big names to struggle on day one of the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon.

Brown, the world No. 272, birdied two of the last three holes to lead by one from 2019 winner Shane Lowry.

“I’m going to try and sort of keep my feet on the ground a bit and take on the job again tomorrow,” said Brown, who is competing at his first major.

McIlroy posted a seven over par round of 78 with his hopes of ending a 10-year wait to win a major floundering as most of the field struggled in the wet and windy conditions on Scotland’s west coast.

Of the 156 players in the field to complete their rounds, only 17 posted a score under par.

Lowry, who won his sole major at the British Open five years ago, made the most of the calm late afternoon conditions with three birdies in five holes around the turn and picked up another at the 18th.

Two-time major winner Justin Thomas is lurking at three under, while recently crowned USPGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele is among a group of seven on two under that also includes Justin Rose.