SA amateur Christo Lamprecht about opening 66 at The Open: ‘I played good golf’

South African amateur Christo Lamprecht was the shock early leader on the first morning of the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England on Thursday.

Lamprecht qualified for the Open, his first Major, by winning the128th Amateur Championship at Hillside Golf Club in Southport, England a few weeks ago. He is ranked sixth in the world’s amateur rankings.

The 22-year-old currently plays for Georgia Tech in the USA.

Sevens birdies and two bogeys

Lamprecht looked at ease on the links layout, carding an opening round 66, five-under par.

Her made three birdies on his front nine without a dropped shot and then made four birdies, but two drops, on his back nine.

“It’s pretty surreal. It’s nice to see a lot of work behind the scenes pay off,” said Lamprecht about the lead, according to AFP, who outshone his playing partner and idol Louis Oosthuizen.

“It’s something I haven’t dreamt of yet, but it’s pretty cool.

“I earned my spot to be here. I think the way I played today I earned to be on the top of the leaderboard, as of now.”

Lamprecht was joined at the top by Tommy Fleetwood later on Thursday.

‘Proud’

“It’s not a cocky thing to say. I just personally think I believe in myself, and I guess stepping onto the first tee box if you’re a professional or a competitor, you should be believing that you should be the best standing there.

“I’m very proud of it. I’m a little bit surprised, obviously, naturally, but I played good golf today.”

Some of the other more recognisable South Africans battled in the morning. Former Major winners Oosthuizen carded a three-over-par 74, while Charl Schwartzel was six-over-par (77) after his first 18 holes.

Among the favouries, Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka and defending champion Cameron Smith struggled as well.

Rory McIlroy was to tee off later Thursday.

Keep up to date with the leaders here.