British Open 2012: How Top Contenders Are Performing Heading into Weekend

One round of British Open play is in the books. The top of the leaderboard is tight and several others are hanging on the fringe. 

The top golfers aren't the names you see at the top of this year's leaderboard. Tournament leader Adam Scott is No. 13 in the world, but even he holds a narrow lead.

Let's see where the golfing world's biggest names are after one day of play in the Open Championship.

Tiger Woods: 3-Under Par, Tied for 6th

Woods had a very solid opening round. He birdied four holes and only had one bogey through the tournament's first 18 holes. 

Entering Friday's action, Woods is in a very good spot. The top of the leaderboard is wide open, and he's only three strokes behind Scott. 

If Woods continues to drive the ball with the same success, he will stick around through the weekend.

Rory McIlroy: 3-Under Par, Tied for 6th

McIlroy is in the same position as Woods. The world's No. 2 player is trailing Scott by three strokes, but he played an outstanding first round. 

His biggest error came on hole No. 15, where he finished with a double bogey, but he was spot-on otherwise. 

The potential is definitely there for McIlroy to make a run on Day 2.

Lee Westwood: 3-Over Par, Tied for 99th

Westwood's name will continue to be discussed until he wins that elusive first major. He's ranked No. 3 in the world, but a British Open win would justify his standing completely.

He birdied four holes, but he bogeyed five. Add in one double bogey and you have a disappointing round. 

Westwood will need to improve if he wants to climb the standings on Friday.

Bubba Watson: 3-Under Par, Tied for 6th

Watson is attempting to win his second major this year, and he's making a good effort so far. He's well within striking distance of the leader.

He birdied four holes and only required a bogey on one (No. 13). 

Watson's personality and incredible driving ability make him noteworthy. He's also a pretty good golfer. 

Keep an eye on him on Day 2. 

Phil Mickelson: 3-Over Par, Tied for 99th

Mickelson has missed the cut in two of the last three tournaments he's been in. The lone bright spot was a 65th place finish in the US Open.

Things haven't got any better for Lefty. He struggled mightily through the first round, and he doesn't leave much room for optimism entering the second day. 

All eyes will be on him as he tries to resurrect his swing and improve his fortune.

Other Notable Names

Luke Donald: Even Par, Tied for 37th

Adam Scott: Six-Under Par, First

Jason Dufner: Even Par, Tied for 37th

Matt Kuchar: One-Under Par, Tied for 22nd

Hunter Mahan: Even Par, Tied for 37th

Justin Rose: Four-Over Par, Tied for 115th