England's Tom Lewis, who briefly led July's British Open with the lowest ever score by an amateur, clinched a maiden European Tour title on Sunday with a two-shot victory at the Portugal Masters.

A tearful Thomas Bjorn returned to the scene of his former heartbreak on Thursday to grab the first round lead in the British Open which he shares with 20-year-old English amateur Tom Lewis.

For the first time in 11 months, Rory McIlroy walked off the 18th green in the early stages of a major championship and did not see his name atop the leaderboard.

Luke Donald is preparing to scrap his way to victory at the British Open as he seeks to crown his rise to the top of world golf with his maiden Major championship win.

Lee Westwood is confident he can slay the dragon of his Major championship jinx when he launches his British Open challenge at Royal St George's later this week.