The last amateur to have at least a share of a first-round lead in the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club was Bobby Jones in 1930.
Another Georgia Tech player, Christo Lamprecht, put himself in a position to do it again with a 5-under 66 in Thursday’s opening round of the 151st Open. Lamprecht had a two-stroke lead over another former yellow jacket, Stuart Sink.
Lamprecht, from South Africa, is believed to be the tallest player ever to compete in The Open at 6 feet 8 inches. He routinely hits 325 yards and has a witty short game as well, according to Cink.
“It’s very surreal,” Lamprecht said. “It’s nice to see so much behind-the-scenes work come to fruition. It’s something I haven’t dreamed of doing yet, but it’s so amazing.”
Lambrecht, 22, qualified for the World Open by winning the British Amateur last month. He will also play in the Masters Championship and the US Open next year. No matter what happens this week, Lamprecht said he plans to return for Georgia Tech’s senior season this fall.
Lambrecht said he was not surprised to see his name at the top of the leaderboard.
“I mean, as an amateur, yes, it is,” he said. “But in my head, no, it’s not. I think I’m being too hard on myself, and I think I’ve earned my place to be here. I think the way I played today has earned me being at the top of the leaderboard, so far.
“It’s not presumptuous to say it. Personally, I believe I believe in myself, and I think to go to square one if you’re a professional or a competitor, you have to believe you have to be the best out there.”