Tiptree's Dale Whitnell shot a one-over-par round of 71 in the opening round of the Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Whitnell, 23, playing in his first-ever major, showed no sign of nerves as he finished the day higher up the leaderboard than the likes of established golfers such as Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose, at the prestigious tournament.

A birdie on the par four fourth hole helped Whitnell shoot 36 on the front nine.

And another birdie on the par four 13th on the back nine helped Whitnell shoot a consistent round of 71, after recording pars on 13 of the 18 holes.

For more on this story, see the Gazette.