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Everyone favorite runner-up is leading the British Open at Royal Birkdale after Round 1. No, we're not talking about Phil Mickelson who was the victim of poor early weather and even worse accuracy that has him ten shots off the lead at 9-under. That's right, your Open Championship co-leader is Rocco Mediate at 1-under. Golf is desperate for some interesting storylines and big names to top the leaderboard heading into the critical weekend TV ratings. Lefty was one of those primed to pick up the slack. At least there's always John Daly. Wait, he's 10-over. What about Boo Weekley? Yikes, 10-over as well and officially has his "I'd rather be fishing" bumper sticker up.
Rocco can't pull huge ratings by himself. He'll need some help.
How about Greg Norman? That's right, the Shark is in contention. Fresh off his marriage to Chris Evert, Norman is sitting at even-par and a shot off the lead. By the way, he's officially earned Dick Clark status -- doesn't look any different that he did 20 years ago.
Others who haven't shot themselves out of contention on day 1 that average golf fans could embrace over the weekend: Adam Scott (even), Jim Furyk (+1), Anthony Kim (+2), Sergio Garcia (+2), Jean Van de Velde (+3), and Zach Johnson (+3).
It should be noted that if the skies clear up late Friday afternoon when Phil tees off, he could play himself back into the pack although I wouldn't count on it.
British Open 1st Round Leaderboard
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