Scott Hoch took the first round lead at the field conspicuous by the absence of most of the big guns ahead of the British Open.

Hoch compiled eight birdies in a moderate breeze at Kingsmill to shoot a seven under par 64, despite a bogey at his final hole.

Despite his hot start, Hoch has no intention of playing in the British Open next week, even though he is exempt. He has been told by European caddies that he would not like the course. "If you don't really want to be there, you're not going play well".