Amateur Tom Lewis Co-Leader in Open Championship

Following the first day of competition at St George's audiences were treated to confirmation that the lowest ever score by an amateur was carded on the first day of the 2011 Open Championship. English amateur Tom Lewis put together a high-quality five under par which puts him even with Thomas Bjorn at Royal St Georges.

Going into the tournament, the betting favourite had been Rory McIlroy but he suffered a few early bogies which seemingly brought him back down to earth. It's interesting that a 22 year-old wound up capturing the bulk of the days headlines but it appears as though the bookmakers are unconvinced about his chances to hang onto the lead.

As it currently stands, Lewis is priced at 40/1 to capture the 2011 Open Championship which is an identical price to the one currently available on Phil Mickelson.

A three-way group are trading at 12/1 for the outright victory as the bookmakers appear convinced that Rory McIlroy will be able to card an impressive day two score. Martin Kaymer, currently sitting at two under par, and Graeme McDowell also compete for the favourites spot.

Thomas Bjorn is listed with Luke Donald at 16/1 and he knows a thing or two about disappointment at Royal St Georges having blown a three stroke lead with four holes left to play back in 2003. He declared himself surprised to be leading the pace but feeling in good form regardles.

Tom Lewis has a history of success at Royal St Georges and that might be helping that 40/1 price tag look even more appealing. He won the British Boys Championship at this course in 2009, shooting a 63 and a 65 in the process. He also hails from the same town as multiple major championship winner Nick Faldo. A genuine gamble would go into effect if he is still leading after day two and his price would probably drop to 7/1.