The Open Championship, St Andrews, 15-18 July
Coverage: Live on BBC TV, Red Button, BBC Sport website, with updates on BBC Radio 5 live Full coverage details

Surrey's Ross McGowan tees off on the 10th hole

By Ged Scott BBC Sport at St Andrews

Essex's Ross McGowan could not stop smiling after carding a four-under-68 in his first round at an Open.

Cheam-based McGowan went to the turn in 32 after two birdies and eagle at the long par-five fifth.

And, although he then dropped three shots coming back, he matched them with three more birdies at 12, 14 And 18.

"I hit it close at the second, then I chipped in at the fifth. I couldn't have asked for a better start. I felt happy at the last," he told BBC Sport.

"I made a few mistakes coming home but, on the whole, I couldn't have asked for more in my first round at an Open.

"The wind has stayed calm all the way round and it has surprised me how good it has remained.

"I just hope it gets up soon," he joked.

"The back nine could be very hard. It's forecast to be into the wind and it's already playing very long without it."

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