After Day 1 of British Open, India’s Anirban Lahiri Tied 22nd

Aided by birdies on 10, 14, 16 and 17 on Royal Troon’s tricky back nine, Phil Mickelson took the lead with a 63

Anirban Lahiri during the opening round of the 2016 British Open. (Photo: AP)

The only Indian at the British Open, Anirban Lahiri made a fine start at the Major but a floundering putter ultimately left him wanting more. The 29-year-old shot two-under 69, but the round at Royal Troon needed no less than 33 putts.

His 69 left him in tied 22nd position, six shots behind the superb card of eight-under 63 by veteran Phil Mickelson.

I think I played pretty good but left a few opportunities out there on the back nine. I had a few good looks but didn’t convert. I’m a bit disappointed with not shooting a couple under on the back nine.

Anirban Lahiri

Martin Kaymer and Patrick Reed shot 66 each to be three behind Mickelson, while a huge bunch of eight players, including defending champion Zach Johnson also got off to great starts with four-under 67 each. As many as 74 players shot par or under.

However, Masters champion Danny Willett and Jordan Spieth managed only even par 71 each. Lahiri, played with Sergio Garcia (68) and Keegan Bradley (67), who had better cards.

Anirban Lahiri during the opening round of the 2016 British Open. (Photo: AP)

Lahiri had a fine start with three birdies against one bogey in first six holes. But with his putter not doing his bidding, Lahiri was unable to make the benign and good scoring conditions count, as he missed a lot of makeable putts.

“That’s a good sign hopefully,” said Lahiri, who is making his fourth appearance at The Open. He added he was pleased that he stayed focused and did not waver despite the frustration of seeing birdie putts not dropping.