Thomas Bjorn went some way towards erasing his Open nightmare of 2003 with an excellent opening round of 65 at this year's championship.Eight years ago, the Dane saw his chances of winning the championship at Royal St George's collapse when he had a nightmare at the 16th hole. Bjorn was in control until he hit a bunker with his tee shot at the par-three and it took him another three shots to escape.
Unsurprisingly, that sand trap is now named after the golfer, yet he did not repeat that achievement this time around when he struck his tee shot to within five feet to make birdie.
It was just one of seven birdies during his round, along with two bogeys. Nevertheless, it was the ideal start for the 40-year-old, who did not know whether he was playing until he was called up late on Monday.
LIVE COMMENTARY: Hole-by-hole updates from Royal St George's
Bjorn, who was first reserve, travelled to the course in Sandwich where he received the news of his late inclusion after V.J. Singh withdrew due to injury.
He was thrilled with his five-under par total and told the BBC: "You don't prepare in the same way as if you knew you were in the tournament in advance.
"I just thought I'd come down here and see if I could get in, because you want to play in these championships. When I did get in, it was a bit of a boost for me.
"It was a good start. There is a lot involved with coming back here after what happened eight years ago.
"I just though about going out on the course and trying to knuckle down and not worry about things, and I succeeded in doing that.
"I have not played that well of late, so it was a bit of a surprise to me, too, but I did play well. I was solid all the way round and it was a good day."
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