News
First Round: Reed leads, McIlroy three back
Patrick Reed, 13th in the World Ranking, took sole possession of the lead early in the first round of the British Open on Thursday, shooting a five-under 66 at Royal Troon in Scotland.
His round, which included a hole-out for eagle on the par-4 third hole, game him a one-stroke lead over Justin Thomas, Steve Stricker and South African Haydn Porteous.
Rory McIlroy, the winner of the 2014 British Open who was sidelined during last year's tournament, shot a two-under 69, three shots back of the lead and tied with Rickie Fowler.
World No. 3 Jordan Spieth was unable to get untracked and posted an even-par 71. He is tied with Masters champion Danny Willett, Louis Oosthuizen and John Daly.
Thomas held the lead for a portion of the morning, shooting a four-under 67. He is just one shot off the lead, tied with Stricker and Porteous. Porteous was at six under through nine holes, though he followed it up with two bogeys.
Justin Rose trails at three under, tied with Billy Horschel and Kevin Na.
World No. 1 Jason Day struggled, shooting a one-over 72, six shots back and tied with Hideki Matsuyama.
U.S. Open winner Dustin Johnson just started his round, as have defending champion Zach Johnson, Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia.
[Click here for the entire leader board from Royal Troon.] (http://www.golfdigest.com/story/british-open-leader-board)