WARRNAMBOOL'S Marc Leishman has made a strong start to his British Open campaign at Royal Lytham and St Annes in England.
Leishman carded a one-under par 69 earlier this morning.
The 28-year-old, playing his second British Open, had three birdies and two bogeys in his round, which left him well placed tied for 22nd.
He is five shots off the pace set by fellow Australian Adam Scott, who carded a brilliant six-under par 64. Scott will start tonight's second round with a one-shot lead.
Scott set his score in benign early morning conditions while Leishman teed off in the afternoon groups, which also enjoyed calm conditions on the heavily-bunkered course.