Troon Hosting The 145th British Open

TROON, Scotland (AP) — The 145th British Open is underway at Royal Troon.

Patrick Reed is setting the early pace with a 5-under 66 under favorable scoring conditions. His round included an eagle on the par-4 third hole. Justin Thomas and Steve Stricker are near the top of the leaderboard after shooting a 67.

Former champ Rory McIlroy opened with a 69 and Jordan Spieth turned in a 71.

Colin Montgomerie hit the opening tee shot at his home course where his father was the longtime secretary. Widely considered the best player to have never won a major, Montgomerie qualified at age 53 for what likely will be his last Open. Monty opened with a par 71 after taking a double bogey on the opening hole.

It's been a gorgeous morning along the Irish Sea with no wind, allowing the early starters to take aim at one of the shorter courses on the Open rotation.