Former Open winner Sandy Lyle got the 147th Championship under way in calm, dry conditions at Carnoustie, but it was playing partner Andy Sullivan who claimed the early lead.
The 1985 champion was given the honour of hitting the first tee shot at 6.35am and comfortably found the fairway with an iron.
Lyle missed the green on the short side with his approach but chipped to a foot for a tap-in par.
However, Sullivan holed from 20 feet for birdie, which put him ahead as two-time major winner and third member of the group Martin Kaymer could only par.
