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A Tale of Two Englishmen: Fleetwood, Rose See Different Results to Start Birkdale Campaigns
Fleetwood birdied late to post a 69, while Dan Brown and Jordan Smith put two English players in the top 20 after the opening round.
On Thursday, the 154th Open Championship began at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, with local favorite Tommy Fleetwood salvaging a 69 while Justin Rose struggled to a 75.
English players face historic pressure to end a nearly 60-year drought for a home-soil champion, a feat last achieved when Tony Jacklin won at Royal Lytham in 1969.
Jackson Suber leads the field after shooting a 65 in his debut, while Dan Brown sits tied for second with a 66 and Henrik Stenson carded a 68.
Competing while managing cystic fibrosis, Irish amateur David Howard carded a 4-over 74 during his British Open debut, drawing significant support from crowds.
Struggling after his first round, Rose requires a significant recovery on Friday to make the cut, as the tournament continues with firm fairways and challenging conditions.