GULLANE, Scotland — Look who’s near the top of the British Open leaderboard after one round — 56-year-old Mark O’Meara, who’s trying to repeat the glory of his 1998 win at Royal Birkdale.
O’Meara, who plays on the Champions Tour, shot a 4-under-par 67 in yesterday’s opening round at Muirfield and is one shot out of the lead.
“One for the old farts,’’ O’Meara joked. “Look, I realize I’m 56, but I also realize that I’ve won the Open Championship. I also know that links golf is a little bit different than playing in the Masters. It’s a little bit different than playing in the U.S. Open. It’s a little different than a PGA (Championship). From the standpoint that experience plays a big factor in how guys play.
“Links golf it’s not just about power, where a lot of the game today is about bombs away. Links golf is about creativity, shot process, thinking about where you need to land the ball.’’
O’Meara said he drew inspiration from watching fellow Senior Tour player Tom Watson nearly win the 2011 British at age 59.
“Do I think I can [win]?’’ he asked. “When I play like I did [yesterday], yeah, I think I can. I didn’t feel like I was 56 years old out there; I felt like I was 32. I understand I’m not a spring chicken … but the quality of shots that I hit out there [yesterday,] I would say that’s as good as I played when I was in my prime.’’
O’Meara said he takes this start “with a grain of salt,’’ adding, “I also am realistic. There will be a little bit more pressure [today], obviously.’’
➤ Fresh off his John Deere Classic victory in a playoff Sunday, 19-year-old Jordan Spieth’s wild ride continued as he shot a 2-under par 69 to stand three shots out of the lead.
“There’s less pressure [to perform] now than there was before,’’ he said, referring to his first PGA Tour win. “I kind of accomplished more than I thought possible this year. I just wanted to get my Tour card for next year. Now it’s just really exciting. I didn’t think it would happen this soon.’’
➤ Perhaps the most stunning round of the day came from former No. 1 player Luke Donald, whose major championship troubles continued with a 9-over-par 80. … Louis Oosthuizen, who was playing with Tiger Woods and Graeme McDowell, withdrew after playing his tee shot on the fifth hole because of neck and hip injuries. He was 4-over par at the time. The same injuries kept Oosthuizen from playing in last month’s U.S. Open at Merion. His management company said he will miss next month’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill.