Jimenez deprives Watson of Open lead

Miguel Angel Jimenez shot a 6-under 64 at the British Open Thursday and prevented Tom Watson from becoming the oldest major championship leader in history.

Watson, less than two months away from his 60th birthday, shot a stunning 65 over the Turnberry course in the first round of the year’s third major golfing event. A victory would make Watson a six-time champion of the tournament and tie him with Harry Vardon for the most British Open wins ever.

It appeared Watson would own at least a share of the lead until Jimenez birdied the final two holes late in the round to take a one-shot advantage.

Except for a late-afternoon shower, the day was perfect for golf and 50 players broke par.

Among those who failed to do so, however, was Tiger Woods. The world’s No. 1 player settled for a 1-over 71 and was in danger of missing the 36-hole cut.

Watson shared second place with former champion Ben Curtis and Kenichi Kuboya while the group at 66 included John Senden, Steve Stricker, Camilo Villegas, Stewart Cink and Matthew Goggin.

Major championship winners Mark Calcavecchia, Vijay Singh, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk and Mark O’Meara were among those at 67. John Daly, who won this tournament 14 years ago, shot a 68.

Watson would become by far the oldest major winner if he could pull off what would be one of the most shocking results in the sport’s history. The late Julius Boros holds the record, having won the 1968 PGA Championship at age 48.

Watson defeated Jack Nicklaus by a shot to won the first British Open ever played at Turnberry in 1977.

The body is a little bit old, Watson said, but the enthusiasm out there was very similar.