Jimenez leads the British Open

Miguel Angel Jimenez shot 6-under par 64 Thursday and holds a one-stroke lead after the first 18 holes at the British Open in Turnberry, Scotland.

Jimenez, a native of Malaga, Spain, and one of the day’s late starters, finished his bogey-free round by overtaking American Tom Watson and Ben Curtis with birdies at the 17th and 18th holes.

Jimenez, the oldest man in the 156-player field, equaled the lowest first round in Open Championship history.

I feel inspired playing here, he said after shooting his best round of golf in a major two months short of his 60th birthday.

Playing the practice rounds I felt very good about the way I was hitting the ball, Watson said.

Five golfers, led by Steve Stricker, shot 4-under 66 and share fourth place, while defending champion Tiger Woods shot 1-over 71 to fall into a tie for 65th.