Watson, Curtis set pace, Tiger toils

Tom Watson, the oldest player in the field, rolled back the years to share the lead in yesterday's first round of the British Open as several veterans took advantage of ideal scoring conditions.

While three-times champion and heavy favourite Tiger Woods struggled to a one-over-par 71, Watson fired a flawless 65 on a surprisingly calm day at the Ailsa Course to take charge alongside fellow American and former champion Ben Curtis.

The 59-year-old Watson's vintage display included a 20-foot birdie putt at the par-four third.

"I feel inspired playing here, being in the presence of Turnberry again, just a culmination of a lot of things that have gone on already. I feel I'm playing well enough to win the golf tournament," Watson said.

Australian John Senden, a late addition to the field after the withdrawal of Indian Jeev Milkha Singh on Tuesday due to a rib injury, birdied four of the last six holes for a 66.

Also at four under were Steve Stricker, fellow American Stewart Cink, Australian Mathew Goggin and Camilo Villegas.