The weather gods unleashed their fury a day early at the Open Championship, as Wednesday evening and overnight had rain and thunderstorms. Thursday dawned much calmer and only got better through the day. The professional golfers in the field took note and took advantage. You can’t win the tournament the first day, but you can lose the tournament the first day with a bad round.

Justin Spieth (Texas) went out early and posted a 5 under par 65. Current US Open champ Brooks Koepka (FSU) was right on his heels and also carded 65. Matt Kuchar (GT) shot 5 under the first nine and even par the second nine to tie them at 5 under par. Several others made runs but fell just short.

A total of 39 players recorded a score under par Thursday, and another 19 shot even par. Our 4 Bulldogs were thankfully included in these groups.

Russell Henley shot even par very early. He’s Tied for 40th after a solid round but finishing with 2 bogeys on his final 3 holes. He tees off Friday at 6:48 am ET (1:48 am local).

Brian Harman had a similar round as Henley: a couple birdies early but a couple mistakes down the stretch. Tied with Henley and 17 others at even par, he tees off Friday at 7:30 am ET (2:30 am local).

Kevin Kisner had a double bogey and three other bogeys. Normally that’s not good. But he offset it with 5 birdies for an even par round and tied with Harman and Henley. He puts peg to ground 8:47 am ET (3:47 am local).

Bubba Watson was the last to finish of our foursome, and he followed Kisner’s suit. 5 birdies, 3 bogeys, but thankfully didn’t double-bogey a hole. So he’s low ‘Dawg at 2 under par and tied for 12th with 13 other golfers. He starts his Friday round at 10:20 am ET (5:20 am local).

So if you’re not working Friday and want quality morning TV, flip it on over to Golf Channel. Or if you’re like me, I bring my iPad and use the Golf Channel app to watch live coverage (ahem “in the background” ahem) while I work. Either way, we’re in good position after Day 1.

And as always...

GO ‘DAWGS!!!