An impressive first round at the Open Championship by Brendan was perhaps negated to some extent by the improving conditions late in the day at Royal Birkdale, but he seemed happy enough as he headed for a long soak in a bath at the end of a cold and wet opening round. 

His round of four over par 74 might have him just 38th position but, given that he played in the worst conditions of the day, his round was particularly impressive. Bogies at his first two holes threatened danger for Brendan but he found a way to play the next 15 holes in just one over par before a disappoinitng bogey at the last, a hole that would become progressively easier during the day.

"I can't remember playing in anything like this," said Brendan just an hour after his round. "It was just so hard out there this morning. It seems' to be easing off a little now so it looks as if it will get a litle easier for the later starters." Brendan was proved right with the leading six players at the end of round one, all form the afternoon group.

"I started pretty ordinarily although funnily enough I didn't think I'd really done too much wrong when bogeying the first two holes. I three putted from just off the edge on 12, missed about an 8 footer for birdie on 15, but overall I have to be pretty happy.

Brendan plays in the afternoon group on day two.