British Open Leaderboard 2015: Thursday Score Updates and Tournament Predictions

The year's third major has finally arrived, and there's no better location for it as the British Open descends upon the Old Course at St. Andrews for the 29th time in its tradition-rich history.

Top favorites like Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson will be watched closely throughout Thursday's opening round of action, but there are already some notable names on the course. Action began with Thomas Bjorn, Greg Owen and Rod Pampling teeing off at 1:32 a.m. ET. 

ESPN coverage will start at 4 a.m. ET, but you can keep up with the updated leaderboard here:

Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson has entered majors before after coming fresh off a near miss at the previous one, but this will be an attempt at redemption unlike any other for the sport's biggest driver.

The 31-year-old is well versed with such shortcomings, having posted top-six finishes at each of the four majors. But nothing can compare to his runner-up finish at the 2015 U.S. Open, where he rolled a tournament-winning putt past the cup and missed a three-footer that would have forced a playoff with Spieth.

He'll have to get over that quickly. Johnson is paired with Spieth along with Hideki Matsuyama to make up arguably the best three-golfer group there is in the early rounds. The trio will tee off at 4:33 a.m. ET.

Johnson's best Open finish came in 2011 when he tied for second, and he's impressed ever since as he's one of three golfers to make the cut over the last five years, per CBS Sports' Kyle Porter:

Johnson has proven at both the U.S. Open and the Masters that he's one of few golfers who can keep up with Spieth at his best, but doing so early on Thursday will be easier said than done.

That's because the 21-year-old has not just dazzled in major appearances throughout 2015; he's dominated the first round as well. ESPN Stats & Info noted how Spieth has done on Day 1 of the last two majors:

There's no shortage of other contenders capable of giving Johnson and Spieth a run for their money, including but not limited to Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott and others who are peaking at the right time. But keeping up with the best ball-strikers of the 2015 season won't be an easy task.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Johnson's huge drive ranks atop the PGA Tour by a wide margin, averaging 319 yards per drive. That will allow him to reach at least a few greens on par-four holes. His putting famously eluded him at Chambers Bay, but he does rank fifth in birdies and seventh in eagles. 

As for Spieth, his ability to dial it in on the greens will be a game-changer. The impeccably long St. Andrews greens play to his biggest strength, and that will be the difference as he continues his Grand Slam quest.

Prediction: Spieth beats Johnson for British Open title