Irish make strong start as Spieth maintains major momentum

Spieth, winner of the first two majors of the year, quickly moved to five under after seven holes in benign conditions at St Andrews, just one off the lead.

Jordan Spieth’s early first-round form at the 144th Open Championship merely served to fuel the hype which is accompanying his bid to secure the third leg of an unprecedented single-season grand slam.

The American, winner of the first two majors of the year, quickly moved to five under after seven holes in benign conditions at St Andrews, just one off the lead.