It was English major debutant Daniel Brown who took a surprise overnight lead at five under par after the first round of the 152nd British Open sitting one ahead of Shane Lowry. Lowry shot three birdies in five holes around the turn before bagging another at the 18th on the opening day putting him on -5 and in an excellent position to challenge for a second Open victory.

For big names Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, on the other hand, it was a start to forget as the two struggled in the wet and windy conditions posting a seven over par and eight over par respectively. It is a particular blow for McIllroy who painfully missed out on the US Open last month missing two short putts and handing Bryson DeChambeau his second major by the narrowest of leads.

"All I need to focus on is tomorrow and try to make the cut," said McIlroy. "I need to go out there and play better and try to shoot something under par and at least be here for the weekend, if not try to put myself up the leaderboard a bit more and feel like I have half a chance."

Two-time major winner Justin Thomas sits on the tails of Lowry and Brown at three under with recently crowned USPGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele one of five close behind at two under.

With four birdies and three bogeys, Scottie Scheffler finished day one at one under par but is still in the mix despite cutting a frustrated figure during the opening round on Scotland's west coast.

On the back of his second US Open and some fantastic performances in the majors this year, DeChambeau's start was far from ideal as he carded six over par in the windy conditions of day one. 

"I'm just proud of the way I persevered today," he said. "I could have thrown in the towel after nine and could have been like, 'I'm going home'. But no, I've got a chance tomorrow. I'm excited for the challenge."