Ashley Chesters starts in style at the Open
Shropshire's Ashley Chesters today blazed a trail ahead of golf's biggest superstars with a stunning first round at the Open.
The Hawkstone Park amateur golfer carded two under par in the sport's prestigious major event at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake.
The 24-year-old made six birdies to card 70 as he came flying out of the blocks.
He staying ahead of top professionals such as 14-time major winner Tiger Woods, 2011 Open champion Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera, a former winner of US Open and Masters titles.
When Chesters returned to the clubhouse just after noon, he was joint 13th and has a strong fighting chance of making the cut tomorrow.
Clive-born Ricky Pharo, who caddied for Wem ace Chesters, said: "It was an awesome experience.
"It's hard to describe how good it is to share something like that with your best mate.
"Ashley played lovely and carried on from where he was in his practice round.
"He was nervous on the first tee but he hit a couple of nice shots at that hole, birdied it and it settled him right down.
"There was a lot of support from Shropshire which was brilliant and there was a big cheer when he finished on the 18th."
Chesters is one of just four amateurs to have qualified for The Open. And as he finished under par for the day, Scotland amateur Neil Bradley teed off at the 18th on seven over.
Three-time Open champion Woods, meanwhile, in his second event since back surgery in March, bogeyed the first two holes but was back in the swing as three consecutive birdies on the back nine.
