Clear sky, little wind, umbrella kept in bag and short sleeve. The ever-treacherous British weather gave golfers a reprieve at the opening of the 151st British Open and Royal Liverpool took it upon themselves to try and slow down their onslaughts, confirming that it is a legendary links course as it allowed 31 players to battle it out on such a balmy day. But not all of them fell into their traps and there were some who knew how to dribble their defenses and dodge their bunkers like mastery. Like Tommy Fleetwood, one of the most important idols of the local fans.
Fleetwood (32) is a native of Southport, a beautiful coastal town neighboring Liverpool, and knows the courses in the area like few, many and almost all magnificent, including three in the Open rotation: Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham. With a smile always at the ready and a carefree air on and off the pitch, Fleetwood has always been a fan favourite. An adoration that spread from England to the rest of Europe as soon as he started doing mischief on the DP World Tour and is now gaining ground in the United States as well.
Sitting in one of the early morning matches on the first day, the skilful English player gradually gained strokes on the field, pressing the accelerator at the end with three birdies in the last five holes for a total of 66 strokes (-5), and equaled his best card in the most prestigious tournament in the world. With this result, no one could remove him from the lead throughout the day, only equaled by Emiliano Grillo and the surprising amateur Lamprecht, one of the sensations of the day.
Fleetwood, a six-time winner in Europe, continues to chase his first Grand Slam tournament, a path that is taking longer than he expected despite already knocking on the door on several occasions. In fact, he has been second in both Opens (British and US), fifth in the PGA and 14th in the Masters. Perhaps playing at home gives him the final push he needs, but there is still a long way to go.
What was not at all comfortable at Hoylake was Jon Rahm, who suffered more than enjoyed despite the non-negotiable affection of the understanding English public. Barrika’s was especially slowed down by the putt, with which he was not at all fine. His 18th hole was the best summary of the day, and he had to put the ball back into the green bunker after two-putting the par 5, doomed to bogey. Rahm shared the match with Rory McIlroy, another of the big favourites, who was unable to start at any time and finished on par, although still with full options.
Of the eight Spanish golfers, only Adrián Otaegui was able to win on the course, but he did it masterfully. The player from Donostia made six birdies and two bogeys for a total of -4, just one shot off the lead. The most pleasant surprise of the day for the Armada, too loaded with bogeys, with Pablo Larrazábal and Nacho Elvira, both with 1, following in his footsteps.
