BROWN HAILS 'AMAZING' EFFORT

World No. 272 is one ahead of 2019 winner Lowry as big names struggle in the wet

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It was only the first round of the British Open, and unheralded Englishman Daniel Brown knows too well that he has to maintain his focus to give himself a chance after taking a shock lead on July 18.

The 29-year-old carded a six-under 65 at the 152nd Open at Royal Troon in Scotland, as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were among the big names to struggle.

Brown, the world No. 272, birdied two of the last three holes to lead by one from 2019 winner Shane Lowry.

"Amazing, isn't it?" he said. "I was nervous on the first tee, obviously it being my first Major, but I hit a few nice shots early, so I kind of got settled into the round pretty quick.

"I'm going to try and sort of keep my feet on the ground a bit and take on the job again tomorrow."

McIlroy posted a seven-over 78 with his hopes of ending a 10-year wait to win another Major floundering, as most of the field struggled in the wet and windy conditions on Scotland's west coast.

Of the 156 players in the field to complete their rounds, only 17 posted a score under par.