<p><img width="200" height="125" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.golfwrx.com/BagChatter/wp-content/uploads/sergio_carnoustie_r1.jpg" /><strong>The old adage of, "you can't win a major championship in the first round but you certainly can lose it" seems to be a universal truth. How did it play out at Carnoustie in the first round of the Open Championship?</strong></p>
<p> Although the players were greeted with cool temperatures and light rain, the major factor - Scottish wind was for the most part absent and several players were able to take advantage and produce some impressive low scores. In fact, in the seven Open Championships hosted at Carnoustie, never has the first round scoring been so low. The previous first round scoring record of 68 set by Peter Oosterhaus in 1978 was shatter today by Sergio Garcia's 66 and several other players including Paul McGinley and Michael Campbell also recorded low scores.</p>
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<p>The biggest story of the first round was without a doubt, the revitalized Sergio Garcia who had his best putting round in many years paired with another of his fantastic ball striking performance on his way to a score of 65. Garcia switched to a belly putter for the first time and from the fist hole on, he exuded confidence as he putted marvelously throughout his round. In the past, Garcia’s biggest hurdle has been his performance with the putter, which seemed hesitant and nervous, especially compared to his fearless, smooth full swing. However, the belly putter appears to have cured Garcia’s putting woes. He seemed to release the putter smoothly and controlled his speed on the greens far better, especially on long putts. "With the short putter it seems to be very highs and lows. So I wanted to be a bit more of a flat line. I wanted to be a bit more consistent. It still feels like I can make a lot of putts with the belly," said Garcia.</p>
<p>Just three shots behind Garcia, 18 year old amateur Rory McIlroy shot an impressive bogey free 68 in his first major championship ever. Hailing from Ireland, McIlroy is no stranger to competitive golf. He left school at 16 and has been playing amateur golf full time, including competing in professional events and plans to turn pro this fall after competing in the Ryder Cup. McIlroy said, "I think because I pretty much grew up on playing links golf, it is probably a bit of an advantage. In the winter I play Royal County Down and played Portrush, and I think that stands me in good stead."</p>
<p>However, the leader board is a crowded place, Angel Cabrera, the most recent U.S. Open champion, and ‘05 U.S. Open Champion Michael Campbell are both tied with McIlroy at 68, and Irishman Paul McGinley is just two shots off the lead. Tiger Woods’s bid for a third consecutive Claret Jug began promisingly. Woods is four shots behind. The highlight of his round today was a text book eagle at the par 5 6th hole which consisted of driver, seven iron, and a putt for eagle. Woods made the turn at 33, but struggled a bit on the back nine, coming in with a score of 36.</p>
<p>With a tightly packed leader board and the looming presence of Scotland weather none of the players are likely to be resting comfortably tonight. At the drop of a hat, forty mile an hour winds and icy temperatures could easily turn the leader board upside down.</p>
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