Andy Murray wowed the crowds at Carnoustie on the opening day of the Dunhill Links Championship, despite admitting he was ‘nervous’ ahead of his first round.
The Scot, who has spoken previously of his ambition to become a scratch golfer, impressed alongside Eddie Pepperell, with a team round of seven under par, as a mass of home fans cheered on the former tennis World No. 1.
A chip over a bunker to around five feet and a long putt to birdie the last were among the highlights, with Murray also out-driving Ryder Cup hero Tyrrell Hatton on occasion.
Murray, who was caddied by the brother of young tennis star Charlie Robertson, said he’d struck one of his best shots ever on the course in Angus, and said he’d now look to use the inclement weather to his advantage at Kingsbarns and St Andrews.
‘I shot 70 at Kingsbarns (in practice) and I had a putt for 68 on the last hole, which I went for.
'It lipped out and then I missed the one on the way back. So it was a bittersweet ending, but yes, that’s very much not my norm.
‘I played particularly well and was probably a bit lucky as well, but it was perfect conditions too.
‘There was like zero wind at all, but I thought it was a beautiful course. I loved playing there. It was my first time there.’
In contrast, the weather over the coming days is set to be far more testing, as Storm Amy blows into the UK. Murray, however, insists he will maximise the opportunity and use it fully to his own advantage.
‘I’m used to that (the weather), I am from here, so that is playing to my advantage.
‘A lot of the other amateurs that are from elsewhere, from warmer climates, are complaining even about today. I’m like, what are you talking about? It’s a beautiful summer’s day in Scotland. It’s going to be fun.
‘It will obviously be more challenging if it’s windy, but it’s part of the fun of it.’
Reflecting on his opening day at Carnoustie, Murray said it had gone ‘pretty well’, but joked that it was clearly ‘different to playing weekend golf with your friends.
‘There’s obviously a lot going on and you...You want to make sure you’re not standing in the wrong place or doing the wrong thing and interrupting the pros who are here to play proper golf.
‘But Eddie (Pepperell) and Tyrrell (Hatton) were brilliant. They were very relaxed and chatted to us throughout the round which helped Yes, it went pretty well.
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