Battle weary players return for another onslaught

The world's leading players return to Carnoustie today aiming to salvage some battered pride on the fearsome Scottish links.

Scores soared in the first round as a combination of wind, narrow fairways and deep rough had the best in the business labelling the conditions "unfair", "a joke" and various other adjectives considerably stronger in private.

It fell to unknown Australian Rodney Pampling to tame the 7,361-yard monster with the only round of the day at level par, the first time that has happened since Ian Woosnam led on level after the opening day at Turnberry in 1986.

Pampling's 71 gave him a one-shot lead over the field with playing partners Bernhard Langer, of Germany, and American Scott Dunlap shooting matching 72s.

The early starters clearly had the best of the conditions but the 30-year-old Australian's score was still a brilliant effort with Sergio Garcia crashing to an incredible 89, defending champion Mark O'Meara an 83 and David Duval 79.

And leading the 128th Open holds no fears for the confident Pampling, who qualified for the championship by finishing second on the Australasian Tour's Order of Merit.

"I went out there with a plan to finish in the top 10," said the Queenslander who had his maiden tournament victory in Sydney earlier this year.

"I did well at home in amongst the wind so that wasn't a real problem. I don't mind the wind, it's a challenge. It makes you think a lot harder on the course about what shots you have to play.

"I came here last week, on Wednesday, and played five practice rounds and so far it's paid off.

"I didn't expect when I finished I'd be leading but it was nice to sit back in the hotel and watch everyone else struggling. Today I'll just see which way the wind's blowing and go out there with the same attitude."

Various challengers assumed the lead at different stages during the day only to fall back as Carnoustie reeled in its victims.

The big names were ominously grouped a few shots adrift, with double US Open champion Ernie Els, European number one Colin Montgomerie and world number one Tiger Woods all back on three over after 74s.

Woods had just one birdie and four bogeys in his round before having to deal with the attentions of a female fan, dressed only in her underwear, as he putted out on the 18th green.

Last year's surprise package Justin Rose carded a 79 with three-time Open winner Nick Faldo one shot better after a battling 78 despite going out in 43.