Woosie blunder checks

When The Open got underway this morning, there was no chance of a repeat of the debacle that marred the last Championship hosted by Lytham in 2001, when joint leader Ian Woosnam received a two-stroke penalty for starting the final round with 15 clubs in his bag.

Caddie Miles Byrne forgot to remove an extra driver Woosnam had tested on the practice range, leaving the hapless Welshman with one club more than the maximum permitted.

This year, however, players and caddies are receiving reminders before they start their rounds.

Jim McArthur, chairman of the Championship committee, said: “Each walking rules official has been asked to check with the caddies on the first tee that they have no more than 14 clubs in the bag.”