The greatest show in golf

I think you'll agree that The Open has already lived up to expectations. And it's not even the weekend.

Did any of you wake up early to watch Darren Clarke hit the first tee shot? The crowd was loud and Darren delivered for them with a birdie up the first to the delight of the home crowd. It was a nice touch by the R&A to have him hit the opening shot at his home course. 

Later that morning, Rory stepped up to even louder cheers. But what happened next stunned everyone. To say the moment got to Rory would be an understatement. It's a tee shot he's been thinking about for a very long time, but teeing up a provisional ball on the first wasn't part of the plan. The crowd's silence was deafening. You could've literally heard a pin drop. Eight swipes up the first and Rory's Open dreams appear in tatters. 

Tiger Woods looked sluggish - perhaps suffering from a tight back - and struggled round for a 79, looking very much out of sorts. Other big names also struggled with Phil Mickelson round in 76, Bryson Dechambeau with a 74 and Ian Poulter also returned a 74.

But someone who showed his major credentials - not for the first time - was Brooks Koepka who made it look easy - like he often does - strolling round in 68 and never looked to be out of first gear. You can bet he'll be there come Sunday and it will not be a surprise if he is lifting the Claret Jug come the evening.

But that's only Thursday. I'm sure today's golf will provide even more stories. I certainly can't wait for the weekend. Safe to say the star of the show at the moment is Royal Portrush which looks stunning and is providing a great championship so far!