Bermuda's Robert Vallis rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in golf as he teed off yesterday in the first round of the British Seniors Open at Carnoustie in Scotland.

One of only four amateurs in the field, Vallis fired a more than respectable six-over-par 77 which included 12 pars and six bogeys, dropping shots at both the 17th and 18th holes.

The Mid Ocean Club member qualified for the prestigious event by winning last year's British Senior Amateur Championships.

Paired with Englishmen Matt Briggs (76) and Denis Durnian (78), Vallis ended the day in a tie for 106th.

The tournament leaders after the first round are former Masters winner Bernhard Langer, Jay Don Blake and Carl Mason, all of whom carded four-under-par 67s on the par-71 links course.

Among the field are Tom Watson, Larry Mize, Mark Calcavecchia, Tom Lehman, Ian Woosnam and Craig Stadler, along with a host of pros who regularly play on the US Champions Tour.

The second round of the 72-hole tournament will be played today.

(Full first round scores – see Scoreboard)