Aussie golfer Greg Norman wound back the clock to card a two under par 69 and sit in equal second place after the first round of the British Open.

Norman is one stroke behind leader Hennie Otto from South Africa and is perfectly placed going into the second round as the wild winds on the Royal St George's links played havoc with the rest of the field.

After the 48-year-old Australian, who won the last Open at Royal St George's in 1993, and American Davis Love carded 69s to trail Otto with his 68, they watched the big names struggle in the wind.

Tiger Woods lost his ball on the first tee and started with a triple bogey seven.

Four birdies and three bogeys later, the world No.1 finished on two over 73.

Defending champion Ernie Els had major problems as the wind whipped up off the English Channel and lashed the exposed Sandwich links, carding a seven over 78 which placed his title defence in jeopardy.

Phil Mickelson looked capable of catching Norman when he went to three under after eight holes, but was buffeted by the breeze on the back nine and slipped to three over par 74.

Korea's SK Ho and Swede Frederik Jacobson were a shot behind Norman and Love on 70.

"It was a very difficult day," Norman said.

"I don't think there was an easy shot out there today. The golf course was there baring her teeth all the way around.

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