LEADING: Kevin Kisner had a 5-under 66.
TRAILING: Tony Finau, Erik Van Rooyen and Zander Lombard were at 67.
CONTENDING: Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Justin Thomas and Zach Johnson were among former major champions at 69.
STRUGGLING: World No. 1 Dustin Johnson made only one birdie and shot 76, his highest score at the British Open since his debut in 2009.
TIGER TALES: Tiger Woods opened with a 71 in his first British Open appearance since 2015.
TALE OF TWO NINES: Brooks Koepka made two double bogeys and shot 41 on the front nine. He made five birdies and shot 31 on the back nine.
SHOT OF THE DAY: Kiradech Aphibarnrat, after getting out of a pot bunker in the 17th fairway, holed his third shot for eagle.
KEY STATISTIC: This was the eighth consecutive major dating to the 2014 British Open that Woods did not break par in the opening round.
NOTEWORTHY: Ten players failed to record a birdie, including Ernie Els, who still shot a 73.
QUOTEWORTHY: “I was eight back after the U.S. Open. I’m not really concerned.” – U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka.
TELEVISION: 11:30 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday (Golf Channel).
Associated Press