The Open 2011 live - day one, Royal St George's

By Ben Dirs

opengolf.com leaderboard (official site)

1315: The inclement weather in Sandwich has done nothing for the sartorial flamboyancy on display: Fowler all in black, Poulter in rather sombre navy. Cink in with a round of 70, five off the lead, Donald lets a birdie chace slip away at 14, he stays one over. McIlroy with gossamer touch at 15, he should save par. Poulter moves under par with a six-footer at 17, the Englishman on something of a roll.

1309: David Duval, 2001 champion at Lytham, is +4 through 12. Here's Donald bending one in at 14 and that's a very decent effort. Ikeda with his second at 17 and it comes up short and rolls back down the slope guarding the front of the putting stuff. Poulter's all over the flag with his approach, another birdie chance, the Englishman is currently level.

1306: Here's Ian Poulter, and he rolls in a banana for birdie at 16. McIlroy pops in for par at the par-five 14, Els in for birdie. Garcia's bent one into stand at 14 - but what a break that is, his ball ricocheting just short of the green. Nick Watney of the US birdies 15 and 16 to get back to +5. Favourite food? Mexican. Favorite movie? The Bourne Supremacy. Favourite drink? Chocolate milk.

1300: Stewart Cink - champion in 2009 - is chugging along nicely, one under through 16. Some might call him faceless, but he's got 1,207,847 followers on Twitter. Why? "Between you and me, I didn't like the pocket cavity long irons either." You can't buy banter like that. Fowler with a quacking hook at 14, McIlroy finds sand, Els sets up an eagle opportunity. Donald pulls out the three iron and pings his tee shot short of the Suez Canal - he won't make it on in two from there. McIlroy having to fold himself up like a consatina in a green-side bunker at 14, but he's safely. ACE! Dustin Johnson at 16! He was four over after 13, he's now back to level. Jimenez with a fine par save at the last and he's in with a 66 - one off the lead. Go and have a glass of Rioja Baja.

1248: Jimenez rolls in his birdie putt at 17 to move within one of the lead. Twirl of the cap, little swivel, he's been here before. Donald from the cabbage at 13 and that's a decent effort, into the guts of the green. Yuta Ikeda of Japan is rumbling along nicely, the Japanese is two under through 14. Sergio is two under through 13 - right in the middle from 15 feet, two birdies on the spin. Donald with a brute of a right-to-lefter to save par, and he doesn't like this at all, backing off several times before tugging his effort just left. The world number one drops to +1.

1242: McIlroy drops back to one over courtesy of a bogey at 13, Fowler drops back to level par. Sweet as a nut from Jimenez at 17 - his second is all over the flag, and he tugs on a string and brings his ball to within a few feet of the hole. Garcia with his second into the wind at 13 - 187 yards, five iron, skirts with the sand but safely on. Els unsheaths the three iron and pings one down the left-hand side at 14; McIlroy cosies up nextdoors; Fowler moves in behind them. That's a very reachable par-five, by the way.

1238: Garcia rattles in a birdie at 12 to get back under par. Few technical problems folks, which I apologise for - Ben Dirs in the hotseat. Ryan Moore of the US in with a one-under 69 - here's another nugget from his website: "If you catch Ryan off the course, in an everyday casual setting, more than likely you'll see him kicking it in a pair of Tom's. If you haven't tried these shoes or at least heard of them, first of all they are they comfortable, come in a thousand colors and variations, they are light, and go along with the barefoot ideology Ryan embraces."

1232: McIlroy in some rubbish at 13 and he comes up short. Fowler with five iron and he pushes it short and right. Donald at 12, with a 15-footer for birdie... misses by a couple of inches. Peach of an approach by Els at 13 to set up a birdie chance. Ishikawa squeezes in a 10-footer at 12 to get back to five over, still 10 shots behind leader Bjorn.

1228: Rickie Fowler on tee at 13 and he rattles one straight down the middle. Jimenez on 16 from 20 feet... safe par three. Donald from the light stuff on 12 and that's a peach into the left-hand side of the green. Garcia on the par-four 12th and he trumps Donald, that's a crackerjack of an approach. Jimenez taps in for par at 16, the cigar-chomping Spaniard stays three under, two off leader Bjorn.

1223: Ryan Moore of the US putting a solid round together, he's one under after 17. Here's what he has to say about his favourite drink, the Starbucks Grande Starbucks Doubleshot: "They are everywhere, and you can always count on getting your drink the way you like it, nice for someone who travels constantly. *warning: this drink is for the coffee lover/connoisseur only/this packs a caffeine punch and is not for the faint/frappacino hearted." I'm not making this up...

1219: Many thanks Ash. Greetings from rain and windswept Sandwich, via sunny Salford - no, seriously. Another one goes for 'The Bashful Prince', Ryo Ishikawa six over after 11. Shot gone for Donald at 11, he leaves a five-footer high and drops to level par. McIlroy stays one over, his long-range birdie attempt at 12 stays a couple of inches left. Els can't make anything disappear, his birdie attempt squirts right.

By Mark Ashenden

1210: McIlroy plodding along and stays on +1. After his two bogeys on the first three holes, he has definitely steadied with a birdie and seven pars. As the rain begins to fall down a little faster, it's time to pass the reins over to a man you may have heard of - Benjamin Dirs. I bet he hates being called Benjamin. Well there it is in black and white. Deal with it Dirsy. Thanks for all your thoughts. Over to you Ben. Can McIlroy turn on the style in his last few holes? Will anybody better Bjorn's 65 in the clubhouse later? Over to you Ben.

1159: Bjorn has a bit of work to do to save par on his last hole and the brollies come out. Yep - the clouds are releasing some minor drizzle. And he doesn't .....a bogey on the 18th leaves him with a still rather splendid 65. Seven birdies, two bogeys, nine pars. A stunning effort considering this morning's wind.

1154: John Daly is back! A birdie at the seventh gets him on to level par. Graeme Storm is back in the warm having carded a level-par 70. Mark O'Meara cards a six-over 76.

InfostradaLive on Twitter: "The Open is without a British winner in the last 11 events, since Scotland's Paul Lawrie won it in 1999. This is the longest British drought at the Open since a 15-year run between 1969 - England's Tony Jacklin and 1985 - Scotland's Sandy Lyle. "

Daniel in Stevenage, via text 81111: "I've just started a new job where my desk has two widescreen computer screens for my work. I have my work on one, the golf on another. Not sure if that\'s what the boss had in mind with the two screens but it's working well for me."

1144: Bjorn has an absolute shocker on the 17th and a par leaves him on six under. Terrible.

1143: If you're after steady, blemish-free golf, look no further than England's Simon Dyson. A third birdie on the 17th and he's cruised on to -3.

1141: Wondering what's happening to John Daly? After his fireworks on the opening hole, he cards bogeys on the fourth and fifth and he's on one over.

1136: Rickie Fowler is doing very nicely and turns around after nine holes on two under after a birdie on the ninth. McIlroy grabs another par and remains on +1 after his nine pretty ordinary holes. Not so hot for Ernie Els who sits on a rather stodgy three over having picked up bogeys on the eighth and ninth.

Mark Calcavacchia on Radio 5 live after his 69: "It wasn't as windy as it has been the last few days, but it's still blowing pretty hard out there. This type of golf requires a huge amount of imagination, you need to see the shots you want to hit.....I really like this course, even though it's a little quirky. It's fun."

1129: Who said this is a tricky time to be playing the course? Thomas Bjorn is having an utterly stunning half an hour. A fourth birdie in five holes and his putt on the par-three 16th wiggles, wobbles, dobbles and falls in. He's on six under. He'll be gutted to walk back into that clubhouse in about 35 minutes.

Jason, via text 81111: "At daughter's sports day - keeping updated with your text commentary whilst trying not to make it too obvious! Feel like I'm going to get told off by a teacher if i get caught not paying attention."
Shocking yet nice. Is there not a sports day program you can bury your phone inside?

1125: Thomas Bjorn makes it three birdies in four holes and his sixth of the round so far. Five under. Brilliant. One man trying to grab those Danish tails is Jimenez who sinks a corker to get to three under. The scoreboard summit is getting a little lively as American Stewart Cink bags his third birdie in four holes to also move to -3 after 11 holes.

1120: Allow me to point you in the direction of a rather sweet photo gallery, along with music by Katy Perry and James Blunt. A nice little round-up of the action so far.

1117: BOOM. It's birdie o'clock at last for Rory McIlroy. Relief at last as he moves back to one over after he sinks a 10-footer (ish) on the eighth. How are those Rory doom-mongers feeling now?

1114: I've had my knuckles wrapped for going quiet on Sergio Garcia. I can reveal his card looks like a delightful Scooby-doo tuna sandwich right now. Three pieces of bread representing the six pars with one slice of blue (bogey) tuna slapped in the middle and he's on one over.

1111: McIlroy pitches in to get within 12 feet on the eighth green and he swaggers down the fairway with that cheeky little swagger. Time for some birdie action Rory?

Graeme McDowell on Twitter: "Played 9 holes with @PGA_JohnDaly yesterday. Legend. Prep done and ready for a great week. Drinking a coffee watching the Beeb coverage."
G-Mac seems in super-chill mode. Wonder if he's also catching up on the live text. G-Mac tees off at 1343 BST.

1106: I'm officially running out of superlatives for that Danish bacon as Thomas Bjorn grabs another birdie to move two shots clear on -4. And finally some joy for Luke Donald after a string of near-misses. A 30-foot putt left to right disappears down the hole and he covers his face with his visor in jubilation, perhaps with a tinge of relief. The world number one moves to one under.

1102: A very fair day at the office for Sheffield's Danny Willett who is the clubhouse leader on -1 after a fab 69. Three birdies, two bogeys and the rest pars. Sweet stuff.

John in Durham, via text 81111: "Trying to mark essays on evolutionary psychology and mate selection but i am more interested in the survival of the fittest out there on the course! And this dichotomy on my birthday!"
Keep up the good work.

1058: Over to the par five seventh. Els sinks his birdie. McIlroy just misses out and Fowler gets his. "A poorly conceived second shot" says Jay Townsend on 5 live about McIlroy's efforts. Still no birdie for the US Open champ.

1055: England's Paul Casey will have had better starts to a major championship. Four pars and three bogeys leave him struggling on +3.

1053: Other players all now on level par are Martin Laird, Matteo Manassero, Ian Poulter and Rickie Fowler.

1050: Donald's ball takes a trip around the side of the cup on the par-three sixth and it stays out and he drops to level par.

1047: Miguel Angel Jimenez cards his second birdie of the day to finish off his first nine holes on -2. A very tidy start to the day for the Spaniard.

1039: Another contender for stinkiest round of the day. American Todd Hamilton begun with six pars but then his world caves in. A double bogey and four more bogeys and he's on +6. OOOoofff.

InfostradaLive on Twitter: "Three of the last four Open champions at Royal St George's were over par after the first four holes. Ben Curtis in 2003 was not, he was -1 after four holes"
Curtis meanwhile in 2011 is on +1 after five pars and a bogey.

1032: There are 66 players out on the course fighting the winds and only 11 are breaking par right now. Testing times.

1031: McIlroy thwacks his eight iron on the par-three sixth and the ball drops to within around 12 feet. Cue more loud claps. Els and Fowler all within a couple of feet of him as well. Birdie chances for all three.

1028: The Danish bacon continues to sizzle. Another birdie and Thomas Bjorn is three under at the top of the board. Graeme Storm drops to -1 with a bogey on the 15th.

1025: "A nice little settler" says Ken Brown as McIlroy putts a semi-tricky eight-footer to par the fifth. Not so good for Els though who cards a bogey and drops to +1.

Dan in Dorchester, via text 81111: "Think I might be in a bit of trouble, day off, wife wanted me to do some DIY, I want to take the kayak out, had to wait in for a delivery, text wife to say delivery had arrived and I was off out, sorry but no time to do DIY. Reality? No sign of delivery just spread out on sofa enjoy golf on TV AND laptop. The trouble? Just took a phone call to say delivery won't be coming today at all. Not sure how I'm gonna explain this to the wife!"
Let us know how you get on. If you need an alibi, I have a list of at least a dozen you can borrow.

Luke Donald just misses out on another birdie but he's looking in fine fettle on -1 after nearly four holes.

robbrown22 on Twitter: "The Open quite often spring's up a surprise result and a story with it, so I'm saying this year it could be Matteo Manassero!"

Anon, via text 81111: "Alex C is right, Rory's career is on the slide, sell all your shares in the McIlroy brand, the dream is over, Tiger Mark II is broken."
Didn't take you long to join the pessimism bandwagon.

1012: A lively opening five holes from Ian Poulter. Bogey, birdie, par, bogey, par. And he's on +1.

1008: Want to get involved in all of this? Feel free to tweet me with anything you like at @bbcsport_mark or just get involved by using the hashtag at #bbcgolf ) OR if you prefer some phone operations, then text 81111 (UK) with GOLF before your message.

1006: McIlroy gets within a foot of his birdie putt on the fourth. And it goes in for a par. Meanwhile, John Daly holes a 40-footer on the first hole. Brilliant. Also brilliant is his orange bobble hat glowing like a radioactive satsuma.

Alex C from London, via text 81111: "It's all good saying Rory shouldn't worry as it is a long weekend but majors like this are decided by one or two shots and his bogeys are really hurting his chances. Needs to sort it out now before it is all too late."

Mark Roe, disqualified after third round of 2003 Open when only two shots off the pace, on BBC 5 live: "It's a beautiful golf course but you have to be strategically correct. If you can find the middle of the greens, you can do very well indeed."

1000: Ding dong. Scotland's Martin Laird cards two straight birdies on seven and eight and flies up to two under and joins the top of the leaderboard.

0959: A heads-up for the button de rouge. Red button and online coverage of holes 14-16 starts at 1000 BST.

0957: Two booming but equally wild drives from Fowler and McIlroy on the fifth. The American in the long stuff - the very long stuff - and McIlroy in the middle long stuff. Tricky.

Peter in Liverpool, via text 81111: "Watch out for my pick of the week - Matt Kucher. Made the effort to go to Scotland last week and the big man should be solid in the wind. Breaks my heart to say but I think a USA player will win this week."

0953: Two players back on the rise are Graeme Storm and Mark Calcavecchia. A birdie each and they're back on -2.

0950: It's bogey o'clock. Fowler's putt jumps over the right-side of the cup. Bjorn drops a shot to finish his opening nine on -2, while McIlroy's ball stays out for his second bogey of the day.

0947: The problems are still prodding Rory. He chips out of the long stuff and he'll have a very tricky seven-footer to save par on the par-three third. On the blustery conditions, TV commentator Ken Brown says "it will be a real test of patience today".

Boxing legend Barry McGuigan on BBC Two: "It's not an ideal start for Rory but there's a long way to go. But he's used to playing links courses. He seems to have got it together since the first hole."

Andrew in Newcastle, via text 81111: "I got promoted to warehouse manager 10 months ago and my first responsibility was to organise the 2 week shutdown we have each year. Only the golfers understood why it's a week earlier this year. That is why I'm so popular in the office."
Big chat.

0942: There's a great Dane storming the course like sizzling bacon. Thomas Bjorn cards two successive birdies and is -3 after eight holes and is the outright leader.

0940: The smile and semi-swagger returns to McIlroy who knocks in his six-footer to save par at the second. Pars also for Fowler and Els.

0937: Meanwhile the world number one Luke Donald sinks a short one to bag a par on the opener. Steady, as ever.

0934: The weatherman may have said interesting a few minutes ago and hole two has been very interesting. McIlroy's approach shot skips through to the hearty of this massive green. Semi-interesting. Fowler just off the edge. Els though pitches over the bunker and it goes short and wildly to the left. Interesting. The wind is dishing up a feast right now. Great recovery from the South African Els though.

Former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher: "There's a steely determination about Luke Donald and I'm very optimistic that he will give a great show this week. He's an absolute wizard around the greens with his chipping and putting and that's going to be the key this week, who can get up and down."

0930: Calcavecchia drops a shot on the 11th and slips down to -1. That allows Thomas Bjorn, Ryan Moore and Alvaro Quiros to sit pretty on -2 at the top.

0922: One player everybody seems to talk about is Sergio Garcia. Can he? Won't he? Will he? He's just started anyway. Back to Rory and that looks a little tentative and it's a dropped shot for the US Open champ. It took him 36 holes before dropping his first shot at Congressional. Today, it's taken him one hole. Early days though eh?....

0917: A few "ooohs" as McIlroy's ball slips off the green way over 40 feet beyond the flag that is flapping in the wind. His grey jacket also flapping madly. Fowler's hands in his pockets and he looks cold! Fowler and McIlroy's balls almost kissing each other. AMAZING from Fowler! He grasps his putter, the ball looks short and right but it picks up pace and bends into the hole. Rory up next.....his putt drifts beyond the hole and he'll have a tricky 10-footer for par. "A nasty one" says Alliss. A cracking start for Fowler though - that should warm up his American paws.

0914: WEATHER FLASH: Bit blustery today, warm and pleasant Friday and the weekend is set for more wind and plenty of wet stuff. "It will make it very interesting" says the BBC weatherman.

0910: McIlroy booms his opening shot to big cheers and his ball bobbles along and spits just off the right side of the fairway. The ball is sitting up nicely though. Commentator Peter Allis oozes with joy at the sight of the sprightly 22-year-old. Els and Fowler all safe as well and the three players stroll off the opening stage.

0909: Calcavecchia is on -2 after his opening nine holes and leads the field by one shot. Seven pars and two birdies. Steady stuff.

0906: "I want to go out and be the best player in the world" says Rory McIlroy. Three minutes away from teeing off and there are huge cheers and "COME ON RORY" boom out as he approaches the first tee. Ernie Els is the first off though in the threesome.

Jon in Whitstable, via text 81111: "As much as I'd like to see Rory or one of the Brits win - I just can't see it. Royal St Georges always gives us a surprise - just look at the winner in 2003. I'm going for one of the more unfancied players - just don't ask me who."
Then who?

0901: The Open is now a truly multi-media experience. BBC Two and Radio 5 live are now a go-go. Get to it. And McIlroy is buffing up his clubs eight minutes away from starting. How do you think he'll cope with the world's weight of expectations on his northern Irish shoulders as US Open champion. TWEET or TEXT ME.

Anon, via text 81111: "Nice to see a solid start for live text's old favourite Charley Hoffman - 7 straight pars. Don't hassle him!"

InfostradaLive on Twitter: "If Rory McIlroy wins the Open, he will be the third youngest Open winner in history at 22 years and 74 days. He would be the youngest winner since Scotland's Willie Auchterlonie in 1893 (21 years 24 days)."
C'mon - lambast me for this ridiculous championing of Rory but you can't knock the tops stats. Now where's that cup of tea? Tea stats so far - none today. One on the way and it can't come soon enough. How are all your stats?

0845: A reminder. Rory McIlroy goes off at 0909 BST alongside Ernie Els and Rickie Fowler. What a threesome of firecrackers that is. Ian Poulter's shaking his thing on the first tee as we speak. Donald and Garcia off at 0920, while Goosen and Hunter off at 0931. Who are you keeping an eye on today? Any outside bets you want to tell the world about? TEXT OR TWEET ME.

Kate in Bristol, via text 81111: "First ever visit to the Open this weekend me and the other half have decided to hedge our bets between Lee, Luke, Sergio and Padraig... My heart lives with Lee!"
Have a great time.

0836: Just teeing off alongside American Nick Watney and Argentina's Angel Cabrera is Italian Matteo Manassero. If you want to read up on this exciting 18-year-old who became the youngest-ever winner of the British Amateur Championship in 2009 aged 16 then check out this fine blog by BBC Sport's Ben Dirs. A cracking read.

0834: American Gary Woodland has opened up with a pair of bogeys and a pair of pars. While his compatriot Jerry Kelly goes from bad to badder. More bogeys than a five-year-old boy's sleeve in October and he's on +5 after eight holes.

0829: No imminent collapse from Willett but that boy Mark Calcavecchia (champion in 1989) is doing rather well. He's now leading with his second birdie at the day on the par-five seventh. -2 and leading the pack.

0828: Please REFRESH this page and you'll get a whole load of video. Please also note the live video and Radio 5 live coverage gets cranking up from 0900 BST.

Mike in Yateley, via text 81111: "Self employed but taking 2 days off (I'm a plumber, it's costing me!) to watch the golf on BBC. Nobody does it better. Nice tenuous link there to Ian Fleming who was a member at Royal St Georges"
Anybody else know of other courses where famous peeps play? Although I fear this text may also encourage a stream of Bond-related golf jokes....perhaps?

David in Eastbourne, via text 81111: "I would love to see young Rory win again but I foresee the winner coming from overseas once again. Fancy Jason Day to do very well after the two second places in the Masters and US Open. Other picks are Adam Scott (relentless though dodgy belly-putter), Zach Johnson (has the major winning pedigree) and Brandt Snedeker (by far the silliest name in golf!)."

0815: Sheffield's Danny Willett, aged 23, starts the day with six glorious pars. And he's only gone and ruined his card with a birdie at the par-five seventh to join the top of the leaderboard gang on one under. And it goes without saying - I mention a player and the bogeys follow. After those two birdies, Graeme Storm bogeys the sixth and he slips back to level par. Anybody else you want me to mention and provide the kiss of death by bogey?

InfostradaLive on Twitter: "Royal St George's hosts the Open for the 14th time. The last Open edition here was in 2003, when Ben Curtis won. Only St Andrews (28), Prestwick Golf club (24) and Miurfield (15) have hosted the Open more often."

James in Newark, via text 81111: "I would like to pledge my complete and utter support to Mr McDowell and Mr Harrington. You are my chosen two. I realise its going to be a rollercoaster, I am with you always lads. But come Sunday let us together arrive in what I know will be described as golfing perfection."
Nice.

0759: All this talk of the weather has got one man firing up the leaderboard. Graeme Storm (cheesy gag I know but surely allowed before 8 o'clock no?) is tied with four others on one under after birdies at the third and fifth. Others at the top are Calcavecchia, Havret, Jacobson and Bjorn. And at the other end, the man who was the first player to swing his clubs this morning Jerry Kelly has just bogeyed the par-three sixth having steadied his wobbly ship with three pars following his earlier double bogey. He's now on +4. Anybody else you want me to keep any eye on? Or any other questions? I'm here for you.

Stu in Shrewsbury, via text 81111: "I am far too excited. 2 days off work, 4 days of golf, 1 34th birthday all rolled into the greatest sporting weekend of all! Pick for week is Garcia and big Bubba."
Happy birthday.

0751: "I'm the sort of person that likes a little bit of a buzz in the atmosphere around the group and I'll enjoy it. I'll definitely enjoy it." Nope, not me talking about my thoughts entering the office door this morning. The words of Rory McIlroy who heads off at 0909 BST along with 2002 champion Ernie Els and American Rickie Fowler. Anybody else buzzing on their way to work today? Anybody done a sickie to watch the golf? (Not that i could condone such behaviour). Anybody taken leave to watch the golf? Anybody heading to Sandwich? So many questions.....anybody got any answers? TWEET or TEXT. DO IT.

John Daly on Twitter: "Just had the best pizza in town and that's hard to find when you're not in NYC!"
A tweet from the great man from last night. The perfect pre-tournament meal surely? Daly tees off at 0953 BST. If he's anything like I am after a night on the pizza, he'll be chomping on some cold garlic bread as we speak. Mmmm.

Boon in Swansea, via text 81111: "I love the Open, why oh why do we have to work for a living! Open Thursdays and Fridays should be public holidays. My pick for the week is Retief Goosen with Adam Scott a close second."
If there is someone more enthusiastic about this year's Open please step forward right now. TWEET or TEXT me.

0736: Bit more news on Jerry Kelly who began the 140th Open Championship just over an hour ago. His bogey at the first may not have been the best way of starting but it remained an improvement on his last trip to Sandwich. When the Open was last staged at Royal St George's in 2003, Kelly took 11 on the opener on his way to a first round of 86. And just for the record, Tiger Woods (remember him?) carded a seven on the same hole in wet and windy conditions.

0732: Apologies. Just realised many of you will not have access to that weather video forecast. Basically, today will be breezy, bit of sun and warm and showers over the weekend. In essence, Sandwich will experience all the weather over the next 96 hours.

0726: Hands up who likes talking about the weather? Idle small talk or a valuable item of conversation? Either way, the wind at Royal St George's may play a big part for some of the players teeing off later today. Here's the perfect way of checking out whether you need your brollie, wellies or sunglasses

with a BBC forecast for the next four days for the Open.

Andrew in Leeds, via text 81111: "The talk before these competitions trying to identify the winner is laughable. Nobody is going to say in interviews they can't win and in reality there must be 25 who could win? Luck, fate and skill needed."
Someone's got out of bed the wrong side. Fair point though Andrew. Who's top of your list of 25 then? Are you suggesting all talk of predictions and tips should be redundant then? We'd have nothing to talk about....you trying to put me out of a job?

0721: The stinkiest start to the day so far goes to American Jerry Kelly. Bogey, double bogey and a sweet sweet par at the par-three third on his card.

0716: A few pointers for some quality video to help you prepare mentally for this cracking event. Firstly some beautiful archive of Seve Ballesteros at the Open . Secondly, an aerial view of Royal St George's. Thirdly, Radio 5 live goes behind the scenes at the Open.

0714: We have a new leader! France's Gregory Havret has birdied the opener and is the only man under par with nine players now out on the course.

0712: Want to get involved in all of this? Feel free to tweet me with anything you like at @bbcsport_mark or just get involved by using the hashtag at #bbcgolf ) OR if you prefer some phone operations, then text on 81111 (UK) with GOLF before your message.

0706: Having dished out a few names of players and their tee off times, I have no doubt encouraged a plethora of communication calling me all sorts of names wondering why the heck I haven't included Bo Van Pelt or Bill Haas or Francesco Molinari. The official leaderboard or the BBC Sport's list of tee off times will help you out with full details. Let me know who you will be looking out for.

BBC Sport's Rob Hodgetts at Sandwich: "Former champ Mark Calcavecchia off in second group. Last seen swilling beer outside Sandwich pub about 830pm last night. Strong effort."

0700: That man is....JOHN DALY. It's the question on everybody's lips...and they of course concern his trousers (or 'pants' if you're from the other side of the pond)....colour, shades, pattern, will he actually be wearing any? So many questions. We will find out from 0953BST when the big man tees off.

0652: Well, 20 minutes into day one Australian Nathan Green sits proudly at the top of the leaderboard after a birdie at the first. A few names to look out for coming up.... Stewart Cink off at 0820 BST, Ian Poulter at 0842 BST, Paul Casey at 0858 BST, Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroyat 0909, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia at 0920....and there's one tee off time I feel should have its own home...and that's coming right up.

0639: A quick overview of the BBC coverage you can expect today. Live video on BBC Two, HD, Red Button and online from 0900 BST until 2000. Radio 5 live is across everything from 1000 BST and there's a ginger man called Chris Evans on Radio 2 who is also providing his own unique insight into the latest going-ons at Sandwich. Any questions?

0632: So how are we all doing? Bit early for some perhaps but the golf is happening right now. The early starters on the first tee are American Jerry Kelly, Aussie Nathan Green and England's Danny Willett. News, gossip, quotes, tee off times all coming up. Loads to get involved with. Give me a break - I'm needing to load up on caffeine (and a teacake with marmalade I'll have you know) before I slowly move up through the gears. Welcome on board anyway.

BBC Sport's Rob Hodgetts at Sandwich: "Shake and bake time. It's 140th Open. Start 0630 BST. Sandwich slowly coming to life as marshals, workers & a few hardy fans drift in."

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