Bogeyman catches up with Barry Lane at start of The Open (From York Press)

Bogeyman catches up with Barry Lane at start of The Open

10:32am Friday 20th July 2012 in Sport

Veteran Barry Lane admitted to first-tee nerves after having the honour of starting The Open at Royal Lytham.

The 52-year-old is playing in his 15th championship but he had never been first man out before.

He began badly with a bogey on the opening par-three, regaining that shot with a birdie at the second but then double-bogeying the next on his way to a three-over 73.

And although he described himself as a ‘morning person’ he felt the 4am alarm call was probably just a little too early.

“It is a great privilege and to hit the first tee shot was very nice - it is something to tell your grandkids,” he said.

“I was actually a little bit nervous. There was a lot of people here at 6.30am which was fantastic, and I just wanted to hit the green.

“I’ve got up at 4am to catch flights but I’ve never got up at 4am to play golf.”