The 142nd British Open began early Thursday, around 12:30 a.m. Minnesota time, with ESPN beginning its all-day coverage at 3 a.m.
tournament facts
What: Third golf major of the year.
When: Thursday-Sunday.
Where: Muirfield Golf Club in Gullane, Scotland.
TV: ESPN all four days.
In 2012: Ernie Els won at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
Last time at Muirfield: Els won in 2002, the 15th time the course hosted the event.
Key statistic: Every winner of the British Open at Muirfield after World War II is in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
notable day 1 tee times
3 a.m.: Nick Faldo, Tom Watson and Fred Couples
3:11: Justin Rose, Ernie Els and Brandt Snedeker
3:44: Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Phil Mickelson
8:01: Lee Westwood, Charl Schwartzel and Sergio Garcia
8:12: Adam Scott, Matt Kuchar and Luke Donald
8:45: Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen
associated press
Inside: British Open notebook and a complete list of tee times. C5
