Quiet opening round for Big Four

The much-heralded 'Big Four' of golf failed to make an impression in the first round of the British Open on Thursday.

Young guns Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy were unable to find their 'A' games and were eclipsed by golden oldie Phil Mickelson, who powered to the top of the Royal Troon leaderboard with an 8-under 63.

None of the Big Four scored as well as little-known Belgian Thomas Pieters, who is appearing in his first major championship and carded a 68.