Justin Rose played the first two holes of his opening round of the British Open without a driver after his caddie removed it from his bag, according to reports.

Mark Fulcher had arranged to send some clubs to his friends, though it turned out that one of the drivers he gave away belonged to 2013 US Open champion Rose.

The club was eventually returned to Rose, but only after he started his round at Royal Liverpool.

Rose is quoted by The AP as saying: "it was a bit of a comedic start to the day, no doubt."

Rose shot an even-par 72 and sits six strokes behind leader Rory McIlroy.