The Open: Perfect round for Louis Oosthuizen after six under par 64 at Royal St George's
21:00, 15 July 2021
updated: 21:09, 15 July 2021
Day one leader Louis Oosthuizen said his opening round 64 was 'perfect'.
The South African made par at the first seven holes but then got into his stride with six birdies in nine holes.
"Probably in my mind (it was) the perfect round I could have played," he admitted. "I didn't make many mistakes. When I had good opportunities for birdie, I made the putts. So yeah, just a very good solid round.
"I think I probably would have taken seven pars again. I've learnt over the years playing major championships that patience is the key thing, and even if you make bogeys, know that a lot of people are going to make bogeys.
"I was just very patient. I was trying to just hit my shots and didn't really hit anything close enough to make birdies those first few holes, and then all of a sudden just made two good putts on eight and nine and got the ball rolling. It happened quickly, but you still need to put yourself in those positions, and I felt definitely the last 10, 11 holes I gave myself a lot of opportunities."
Oosthuizen also praised caddie Colin Byrne for his contribution around the challenge links course.
Asked about his strategy on the day's standout performance, the 38-year-old didn't produce any surprises.
"I think number one, on this golf course is hit the fairway," he said. "You're not going to be able to do much from the rough here or the fairway bunkers.
"Coming into this week driving the ball good is key. If you aren't comfortable with a driver around this golf course, then don't be scared laying further back, as long as you can get in the fairway.
"Colin has been great on the bag. He's got so much experience and helps me to be focused on what I want to do and take the shot on, the shot that I see.
"I think out here in windy conditions like this, you need to go on what you feel the whole time. It is difficult for the caddie to see what you think you want to do, so it's great that he gives me a lot of confidence in trying to play the shot I want to play."
