ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Reuters) - Out-scored and out-hit by playing partner Dustin Johnson and trailing Tiger Woods in the popularity stakes, Jordan Spieth still displayed the hallmarks of a potential British Open champion on Thursday with a composed opening round of 67.
The 21-year-old American, making only his third appearance in the tournament, kept his head when the St Andrews course tripped him up and showed an unerring touch with the hottest putter in the game.
His five-under-par score around an Old Course becalmed by light breezes, was two worse than leader Johnson who consistently belted his ball further than his compatriot.