Watch: Former champion hits first 'pearler' shank at The Open

Todd Hamilton had the pleasure of being in the first group at The Open this morning. 

But the American also had the misfortune of hitting the first shank of the 152nd edition of the major. 

Hamilton came unstuck on the third hole after hitting a wayward approach. 

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The 58-year-old didn't seem to flustered by the moment and was quick to splash out sideways. 

And Hamilton eventually tapped in for a triple bogey seven. 

He made the turn in four-over par on a wet and windy morning at Royal Troon. 

The moment led to a frenzied debate on X. 

Some weren't happy with Hamilton being in the field whereas others made it clear as a past champion he had earned his right to be there. 

"Nothing personal against Hamilton but I wonder if the 60 exemption should have a minimum-events-played qualifier. He doesn’t really play tournament golf any more," one wrote on X. 

This user defended Hamilton by saying: "He's been at course all week. What I'll say about Todd is he's been out there every day working on his game. 

"I spoke with him and he's doing this year as a final Open. Meanwhile you've got John Daly who has done about nine holes of half bothered practise. 

"But both have earned their right to play."

Watch the moment here:

Who is Todd Hamilton?

Hamilton is best known for capturing the claret jug in 2004. 

He came to the major as an unknown quantity and ultimately defeated Ernie Els by one stroke in a playoff. 

That year, Phil Mickelson finished third. 

He is playing his final Open this year. 

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