British Open 2012 Leaderboard: Underacheiving Stars Who Will Rebound on Day 2

Several of golf's brightest stars are notably absent from the leaderboard after the first day of the British Open, but for some, there is reason to believe a turnaround could be in store.

These players in particular should look forward to an improved performance on the tournament's second day:

Darren Clarke

Although Darren Clarke has had a season to forget so far, he is only one year removed from winning the Open Championship. As the defending champion, Clarke is still a threat to improve from his abysmal first round six-over par.

Royal Lytham and St. Anne's Golf Club rewards shot making and consistent play, something that Clarke usually excels at.

Clarke is in the top 50 in the PGA in proximity to the hole from sand, a key stat considering the brutally steep bunkers throughout the course.

Unfortunately, Clarke only saved from sand 40 percent of the time after day one, which was a huge factor in his poor score.

With his history, Clarke should feel confident that his play from the sand will improve on the second day, and with it, his score.

Rickie Fowler

Fowler is one of golf's bright young stars, but his start to the first round did little to inspire confidence, bogeying three of the first eight holes.

Fortunately, Fowler already began his turnaround, shooting one under through the first five holes of the back nine.

In fact, Fowler's performance has been statistically excellent, with an incredible 311 yard driving averaged paired with solid driving accuracy and greens in regulation statistics.

His score does not match his overall play to this point, and there is little question that Fowler will improve as the tournament continues. 

Phil Mickelson

Golf's most popular player has struggled early, and will almost certainly finish above par through his first round. If any player can turnaround from a poor start, though, it's Phil Mickelson.

The sand hasn't been an issue for Mickelson, but his putting has been problematic, with an abysmal 4.0 putts per green in regulation.

If Mickelson can't improve his putting, he will struggle to make the cut, but his history and overall consistency with his putter make a turnaround likely.

Mickelson is one of golf's better putters from close range, and that consistency should serve him well as the difficult course affects the other golfers.

Golf followers know that Mickelson is capable of executing any shot at any time, and this shot-making ability will serve him well and help him climb up the leaderboard on the second day.