SOUTHPORT, England (AP) -- Rocco Mediate (MEE'-dee-ayt) took
advantage of a later start and milder weather conditions to fire a
1-under 69 and has a share of the lead after the first round of the
British Open.
Mediate, who lost in playoff to Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open, is
tied at minus-1 with Graeme McDowell and Robert Allenby. Mediate
closed the round with a 20-foot birdie putt.
Greg Norman, Bart Bryant and Adam Scott all shot even-par 70 on
the Royal Birkdale course. Mike Weir (weer), Jim Furyk (FYOOR'-ihk)
and Retief (reh-TEEF') Goosen are among eight players tied at
1-over.
Sergio Garcia was among the late starters and carded a 72 along
with Brandt Snedeker and Anthony Kim.
Ernie Els played in blustery conditions and posted an 80 after
taking 45 shot on the back nine. It's his highest score in two
decades in his favorite major.
Phil Mickelson lost his ball in the high grass near the sixth
green and took a triple bogey that sent him to a 79.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)