Dyson criticizes R&A for failing to move tees forward

By Tony Jimenez

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Simon Dyson, playing in the first group of the day, was critical of the British Open organizers after slumping to a 12-over-par 82 in a wild and windy opening round on Thursday.

"I cannot believe they didn't put the tees forward," the 30-year-old Briton told reporters. "I think they (the Royal & Ancient) will come under fire to be honest.

"If it was a European Tour event they would have had a few more tees forward. There was not one forward today and there are only four holes downwind. It is a slog."

Dyson, who won both the Indonesian Open and Dutch Open in 2006, said the driving rain and gusts of more than 50-kph (30-mph) meant it was almost impossible to perform at Royal Birkdale.

"You can't play," said the Englishman. "You put a four-handicapper on that first tee and they would probably shoot 100.

"That's no exaggeration. It is nearly unplayable. This is the worst day I have played in.

"The course is set up tough, with tough pins. Three par-fours out there, you hit your three best shots and still don't get on the green. It shows how hard it is."

(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)