The early bird

It was a moment I could not afford to miss. A glance out the window at 6.30am and the rain had stopped, or at least eased a little so on with the waterproofs and out to see some golf as the skies told me this might be as bright as it gets. It was a good decision as so far the scoring is looking good.

John Daly, sporting another flash pair of slacks, is not just here to make up the numbers. Far from it. The American is -7 through 11 as I type and looks sure to set the first round lead with the skies getting ever darker.

Elsewhere, a certain Tiger Woods is off. Warm applause for the world number one, a few screams in fact, as well as good support for playing partners Justin Rose and Camilo Villegas.

Spare a thought for Tim Clark. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy, the South African played a delightful approach to the 1st only to see his ball hit the flagstick and roll back into the burn. Just a bogey but not the start you're looking for.

A good start, but wait... yes, here comes the rain.