“Good morning ladies and gentlemen to the 144th Open Championship.  This is Game No. 1.  On the tee from Australia, Rod Pampling”.

Those were the familiar words of Ivor Robson officiating as the Official Starter for a last time.

However it was a first for the Queensland-born Pampling and with the distinction of teeing off first in the 144th Open.

Watching on was Pampling’s long-time coach Gary Edwin and in his fourth St. Andrews appearance.

And for the record Pampling used a 3-iron to find the opening fairway.

Joining Pampling in the 6.32am start was Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and England’s Greg Owen.

Aussie Rod Pampling has the distinction of leading off the 144th Open Championship.