Golf: World number 520 Stuart Manley among leaders at The Open

Mountain Ash golfer Stuart Manley shot 68 in his opening round at The Open.

The 38-year-old, making his Open debut, briefly led the Championship with his two under par score at Royal Birkdale.

Craig Bellamy partly to thank for pushing him into golf and a dream Open debut.

The 38-year-old Cardiff fan, who as a youngster played against the former Newcastle and Liverpool striker as well as Michael Owen, quit a potential career in football after losing all enjoyment for the game.

Manley had trials with Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Luton as a 16-year-old, but felt there was too much pressure on him - although he has found himself in the spotlight again after shooting a two-under 68 to put his name on the Open leaderboard.

"Some people say I should have stayed (in football), but I deep down didn't believe I was good enough, nowhere near good enough," said the world number 520, who played for Swansea and Cardiff.

He qualified for Royal Birkdale after finishing joint runner-up in February at the Joburg Open, but has missed nine cuts in 10 events since then.

Manley held the early clubhouse lead and have the likes of Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter and two-time major winner Jordan Spieth chasing him down was something of an experience for him.

Manley begins his second round on Friday at 11:47.