What you need to know: The Open, Round 1
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SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 19: An official Open logo golf ball on a tee during a practice round prior to the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 19, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
THREE TIED FOR THE LEAD
Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, and Matt Kuchar are tied for the lead after 18 holes at The Open Championship. All three opened with rounds of 5-under 65.
RORY'S RECOVERY
Rory McIlroy carded five bogeys in his first six holes of Round 1 at Royal Birkdale. He'd recover by going bogey-free through his final 12 holes with a back nine that included four birdies for a 32. The 2014 Open Champion finished his day at 1-under (71) and six shots off the lead.
RORY'S RECOVERY
Rory McIlroy carded five bogeys in his first six holes of Round 1 at Royal Birkdale. He'd recover by going bogey-free through his final 12 holes with a back nine that included four birdies for a 32. The 2014 Open Champion finished his day at 1-under (71) and six shots off the lead.
WEATHER CENTER
The 146th Open Championship teed off in cool temperatures with scattered rains and gusty winds. It ended with sunshine and a slight breeze.
Friday's weather doesn't look to be as promising, as there are expected winds of 20-25 MPH, up to 45-MPH gusts, and 90% chance of rain. True Open Championship weather.
TAMING ROYAL BIRKDALE
Royal Birkdale didn't show its teeth like it did in Round 1 of the 2008 Open Championship when the first-round leader was only 1-under (winning score ended up being 3-over).
The first-round scoring average this year was 71.92, 1.92 strokes over par. In 2008, the first-round scoring average was 75.88, 5.88 strokes over par.
The toughest hole in Round 1 was the par-4 sixth, playing at a scoring average of 4.500. The easiest hole was the par-5 17th with a scoring average of 4.538.
DRESSING TO IMPRESS
The opening round of The Open Championship brought out the best attire from the closests of the biggest stars. Jordan Spieth showed off his vest game while his buddy Justin Thomas threw it back with the cardigan-tie combo. Meanwhile, Jason Day went his own way with the debut of his Air Jordan 1 golf shoes.