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Tom Watson, who came agonisingly close to a sensational Open victory last weekend, fired a three-under par 67 in the first round of the Senior British Open at Sunningdale.

The 59-year-old American was edged out in a heartbreaking play-off defeat to compatriot Stewart Cink at Turnberry last Sunday as he attempted to become the oldest ever winner of a major.

On Thursday, he finished three shots behind fellow American Fred Funk as he started his campaign to win a fourth Senior Open title.

"That was a big story last week for me," said Watson.

"But here it's a different story this week. I've got to write it - let's get on with it."

Funk made sure of the lead by posting the lowest opening round in a Senior Open Championship with a 64.

"The front nine I got out of position numerous times and made some great par putts," said 53-year-old Funk.

"And then I made an unexpected birdie at 11 and started hitting it close from there. Any time you do what I did on 17, it's pretty nice."

Funk's round gave him a two-shot cushion over compatriots Jay Haas and Loren Roberts, Ireland's Des Smyth and South African Chris Williams.

Scotland's Sam Torrance is alongside Watson on three under, three shots better than Sir Nick Faldo.

"It was a good start," added Watson. "I played well, I made some good early putts and missed some makeable putts in the middle of the round.

"I played a good round of golf, kept the ball in play off the tee, which is critical here. I'm obviously happy with a 67 starting out - it was a good score."

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AFP