Early Open Championship clubhouse leader Patrick Reed said on Thursday (14th July) that he was happy flying under the radar at Troon, while former champion Louis Oosthuizen gave his reaction to making the first hole-in-one of the week at the 17th.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Patrick Reed (USA), five-under (When asked if he minds receiving less attention that some of his compatriots):

"It doesn't really matter to me. I'm not the one that's writing the articles or doing anything. That's you all. So at the end of the day all I can control is what I do and how I play the game. Honestly, for me, I don't mind flying underneath the radar. But at the same time I'm just out there to play golf and try to play the best and hopefully continue playing the way I am."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Justin Thomas (USA), four-under (Q. You've already had a drink from the Claret Jug this week. How was that and how sweet would it be if you were the one to hand it out over the weekend?):

"It tasted a lot better out of there for some reason. I was very tentative because I'm very superstitious, but I heard Zach (Johnson) had done it beforehand and Phil (Mickelson) had, and many guys had before, so I was like, all right, fair game. I guess I'll do it, too. But it would be great, but it's only Thursday and I have a lot of golf left."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), level par:

"And you're really thinking you might play yourself out of this tournament in the first round. I hung in there. Made good saves on 11, 12, and 13 for pars and then that happened on 14 making a hole-in-one on 14, which just turns your mindset and your round around. Then just getting in, finishing the round off so that I can focus on tomorrow, it could have easily been 5, 6-over just the way I hung in there and get it to level par."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Branden Grace (South Africa), one-under:

"I didn't really take advantage of the front nine which a lot of guys are tending to do. I didn't grab my chances when I had them, especially the par fives, I hot the fairways which are tough things on them and hit it in the wrong spot after that. But it was alright. Two good birdies around the turn and the back nine was just a grind. You have to try and come in bogey free and pick up one or two if you can. Just didn't happen."