golfdiscountonsale 2011-07-15

While a Brit was being tipped to take this year's Open golf championship by storm, nobody expected it to be 20-year-old amateur Tom Lewis. As the likes of

McIlroy, Donald and Westwood struggled in the tournament's first round, the young Englishman hit a phenomenal 65, finishing five-under par and in joint first

place with Danish veteran Thomas Bjorn, a man twice his age.

Lewis picked up seven birdies, bringing him the lowest score ever carded by an amateur in the Open's 140-year history. He also equalled the lowest amateur

score ever recorded at a major and became the first amateur to share the Open lead since 1966. TaylorMade R9 TP Irons Quite impressive for a boy who's just left his teens.

Lewis comes from a rich golfing heritage. His Hertfordshire hometown – Welwyn Garden City – was where six-time major winner Nick Faldo grew up. His father

was a golf pro who named his son after one of his sporting idols, Tom Watson. (His other son is called Jack, after Nicklaus).

And, as fate would have it, it was Tom Watson who partnered Lewis yesterday as the youngster stormed his way through Royal St George's 18 holes. "Tom didn't

mention it but I was told that yesterday by three different sources," Watson said afterwards. "It must be true, it must be. I said: 'Do you still go to

school?' I just had to smile inside to watch him play."

A wide-eyed Lewis, on the other hand, appeared just to be enjoying every moment, especially the standing ovation from fans as the pair approached the 18th.

"I didn't know if it was for me or the other Tom," he admitted. "It was excellent, we don't get that for amateur golf or anywhere in the world for golf so

I'm thrilled the fans are there."
 

Next:Darren Clarke finally takes his seat at golf's top table
Previous:Rory Make-It-Quick: McIlroy’s fast pace of play should be a