SOUTHPORT, England -- On Thursday, Rocco Mediate didn't have to worry about Tiger Woods.

Mediate, the runner-up to Woods in last month's U.S. Open, was tied for the lead at the British Open after finishing his first round at 1-under par 69. His round began with three bogeys over the first five holes, but he finished with birdies on four of the last 11 holes.

He shared the lead with Graeme McDowell and Robert Allenby.

Woods, who is recovering from knee surgery he underwent after winning the U.S. Open, was not in the British Open field. He will miss the rest of the season to rehabilitate his knee. The last time a major was played without the 14-time major championship winner was the 1996 PGA Championship.

While Woods was out of the field, another familiar name crept up the leaderboard -- Greg Norman.

Norman was even after the first round to trail the leaders by one stroke. The 53-year-old Australian bogeyed the par 4 first and 13th hole, but pulled back to even on his round with birdies on the third and 17th.

Also at even par was Adam Scott and Bart Bryant.

Last year's winner, Padraig Harrington finished his opening round at plus-4. The defending champion has been hindered by a wrist injury.

Phil Mickelson shot a 9-over-79 while Vijay Singh and Ernie Els finished 10-over par.

Cold, wet, windy conditions met the golfers this morning and continue at this time. Many of the golfers in the early going were wearing ski caps pulled down over their ears to protect against the elements.

The weather was too much for former champ Sandy Lyle, who called it a day after ten unsatisfying holes in the miserable conditions. The 50-year old was 11-over par when he walked off the Royal Birkdale course.