It eventually fell to Tim Clark, winner of the Scottish Open six days ago, to close the gap, the South African opening with four birdies in his first five holes.

At eight under par Clark was alone in second with 1995 champion John Daly a shot behind.

Daly, who missed the champions’ dinner on Tuesday : “You can’t get a coat and a tie on this fat boy” he said – also made a flying start, hitting his approach to the first to two feet and then chipping in on the second for another birdie.

The 39-year-old also birdied the third but three-putted for par on the fifth after two massive blows to the front of the green.

The clubhouse target had been set by Denmark’s Soren Hansen after a 66, his six-under total of 210 later matched by Holland’s Maarten Lafeber and Darren Clarke.

Clarke fired eight birdies, including an amazing 70-foot putt on the 13th, but also carded three bogeys and three-putted the 18th for par.

“I’m obviously too far back,” Clarke said. “Tiger I imagine will be looking to get to 14 or 15 under but the wind is just picking up and there are some tough pins out there.”