Justin Rose has refused to accept that his opening-round 71 has seen him drop out of contention for the Claret Jug after day one of The Open at St Andrews.

The 34-year-old finished Thursday on one-under-par to sit six shots adrift of Dustin Johnson, whose 65 saw him lead the way in Scotland - one stroke clear of Robert Streb.

Nevertheless, Rose, who won the US Open in 2013 for his only Major title to date, is hopeful that the remaining 54 holes prove more fruitful.

"You've got to try and remind yourself it's a 72-hole tournament," he told reporters.

"If it was an 18-hole tournament, you'd hang your boots up, stop at 17 and take a pint in the Jigger Inn to be honest with you.

"But you have got to try and believe over 72 holes you can have your run, you can get your spell where you get the weather better than anybody else and put it together. On Sunday is when it'll count."


Reigning champion Rory McIlroy is not present to defend his title following an ankle injury, while Jordan Spieth, who is vying for a calendar Grand Slam of titles after winning the US Open and Masters, is two shots off the pace.