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Kisner shoots 66 to lead in British Open

Jordan Spieth is trying to become the first champion to repeat since Padraig Harrington won at Carnoustie in 2007 and again at Royal Birkdale the next year.
Credit: Thomas J. Russo
Jul 19, 2018; Carnoustie, Angus, SCT; Kevin Kisner looks over his putting line on the 18th green during the first round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Carnoustie Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) - Kevin Kisner took advantage of light winds and warm temperatures to shoot a 5-under 66 and take the early lead in the British Open.

The American needed only 22 putts as he made his way around the Carnoustie links, where wispy rough and fast fairways made for low scores among the early groups.

Defending champion Jordan Spieth was contending for the lead until a late stumble left him six shots behind Kisner. Spieth dropped four shots to par on the final four holes, finishing with a 1-over 72.

Spieth is trying to become the first champion to repeat since Padraig Harrington won at Carnoustie in 2007 and again at Royal Birkdale the next year.

Puyallup's Ryan Moore is two shots back after carding a 3-under 68.

Danny Willett, who hasn't had a victory since surprisingly winning the Masters in 2016, shot a 69. Phil Mickelson opened with a 73.

Tiger Woods began his round with a birdie. Woods teed off to a rousing ovation on the first tee, wearing a pair of kinesiology tape strips on the back of his neck because of soreness. Woods steadied his creaking back nine with three straight pars in the final holes to shoot an even-par 71. The last time he was seen at the British Open, Woods shot 75 at St. Andrews to miss the cut.

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