British Open Results 2015: Updated Thursday Scores, Standings from St. Andrews

Winning or losing a major championship is something that rarely happens on Day 1 of a competition, but don't tell Dustin Johnson it isn't important.

Johnson came out of the gate firing long drives with accuracy and took advantage of the favorable morning conditions to register a seven-under 65, taking the lead after the first round of the British Open.

Johnson, who infamously blew his chance to win the U.S. Open on the 72nd hole last month, had not played since faltering at Chambers Bay. However, there were no signs of nerves or indecision at the Old Course. He came out attacking. 

"

Dustin Johnson: 3rd career bogey-free round in a major championship, ties lowest career round in a major. Also shot 65 in 1st Rd at US Open.

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) July 16, 2015"

Johnson told ESPN's Tom Rinaldi that he was happy with his opening round. "It's all about navigating the bunkers out here off the tee," Johnson said. "Today, I drove it really straight, I drove it well. I have been for a while now."

Johnson drove the ball an average of 322 yards, and his 65 tied his personal best in any of the sport's four major championships.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Jordan Spieth was the beneficiary of Johnson's final-hole issues at the U.S. Open and was back in form in the first round at St. Andrews. Even though Spieth has very little competitive experience on links courses, he got off to a sharp start with a five-under 67.

He is once again right on the heels of Johnson, and it appeared that he was on his way to an even better round as he birdied five of the first seven holes. However, Spieth had a hard time finding additional birdies as the wind picked up at the Old Course.

"

"Our game plan worked out perfectly." - @JordanSpieth An opening 67 for the world no. 2: http://t.co/xYgV6m02zI pic.twitter.com/u4z0X1QZpw

— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) July 16, 2015"

Between Johnson and Spieth is a group of six golfers who are one stroke off the pace at six under par. Jason Day, Zach Johnson and Retief Goosen are in that group.

Day's presence near the top of the leaderboard is an excellent sign. A vertigo issue in the second round of the U.S. Open nearly stopped him in that tournament, but he says he has made a recovery and feels healthy.

"I should just stay healthy, so I don't have to answer these questions anymore," he said, via Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports. "I feel good. I'm not thinking about falling over on my face again."

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The golfers tied with Spieth at five under include Louis Oosthuizen, Kevin Na and Charl Schwartzel. Oosthuizen would appear to be in excellent position to make a run at the championship.

He played quite well at the U.S. Open as he roared back after a poor first round to finish in a tie for second. Oosthuizen also won the British Open the last time it was played at the Old Course in 2010.

"

Louis Oosthuizen is -21 in 5 career Open rounds at St. Andrews. WATCH: http://t.co/GQPN8jBoMk pic.twitter.com/VrtScRcBfP

— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) July 16, 2015"

The difficult saga of Tiger Woods continued in the first round. Woods got off to a painful start by shooting a 40 on the front nine and concluded his round with a four-over 76. That's the worst round Woods has had in the British Open as a professional.

Woods tried to remain resolute after his round, but he has a huge mountain to climb if he is going to give himself a chance of getting into contention.

“I’m so far back and the leaderboard is so bunched that in order for me to get in there by Sunday, I’m going to have to have the conditions tough and then obviously put together some really solid rounds,” Woods said via Jay Coffin of the Golf Channel.

Woods' longtime rival Phil Mickelson shot a two-under 70. The 2013 British Open champion was three under after five holes but could not sustain his success throughout the rest of the round.

Nothing is decided in the first round of the British Open. The second round could be far more decisive, as weather conditions are likely to turn nasty.

Spieth is among those who are quite concerned. "Tomorrow is going to be brutal," Spieth said, via Graham Spiers. "Typical Scottish day."