EAST Yorkshire's Chris Smith made a modest start to the Open today after going out as one of the first threesomes at the Royal St George's course in Sandwich.

Smith, who pre-qualified for the 132nd Open at the Littlestone course just two days ago, was three over after 14 holes.

In difficult conditions of rain and a swirling wind the Bridlington Links Golf Club assistant professional dropped shots on the third, fourth and sixth holes before retrieving his score with a birdie on the seventh before again suffering a bogey on the 13th hole.

Still, Smith's total was the equal of world number one and tournament favourite Tiger Woods, who had a torrid start to the day being similarly three over after the first three holes.

And Smith's battle to get to grips with the Sandwich course was in contrast to one of his playing partners, South African Hennie Otto. He was setting the early pace with a four-under total by the 14th hole.

The other member of the threesome was Iain Pyman of the Sand Moor club in Leeds.

He enjoyed the distinction of striking the first shot in the championship when play got underway at 6.30am but his tee shot on the first this morning found the thick rough to the right of the first fairway.

That started a hapless trend for Pyman who, with four holes to go, was already seven over.

Updated: 11:10 Thursday, July 17, 2003