Open champion Oosthuizen keeps up hot streak

South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, who cruised to a seven-shot British Open win at St Andrews last weekend, kept up his hot streak on Thursday with a share of the Scandinavian Masters lead.

The 27-year-old carded a five under 67 to share the lead with Australia's Richard Green and Dustin Johnson of the United States after the opening round at the at Bro Hof course.

"I had a good sleep, but I woke up tired again and the win has definitely drained me," said Oosthuizen.

"But the crowds were unbelievable, cheering me onto every green and every tee.

"I wanted to play nicely. The last thing I wanted was to put on a bad show."

The Claret Jug holder started with a birdie, followed with eight pars and then came home in a superb 32.

That even included a trip to the water on the long 13th, but he came back from a six there with birdies at the next two and finished in style with a 30 footer for another.

Left-hander Green and Johnson, who led the US Open before a final round slump, kept pace with Oosthuizen.

Green, seeking his third European Tour title, made up for two bogeys with no fewer than seven birdies after changing to a driver brought out to him by a friend.

"My driving was exceptionally good," said Green. "A friend brought one out from the UK that I've used before, so hopefully it will keep working like that."

Among those only a shot behind on 68 are Korean KJ Choi and Scottish Open champion Edoardo Molinari, who with a top two finish on Sunday could climb into an automatic qualifying spot on Europe's Ryder Cup table.

"I don't put too much pressure on myself to qualify," said Molinari.

"If I make the team great, but if I don't it's still the best year of my career and I won't be upset.

"To make the Ryder Cup is something very difficult, especially considering I was playing The Challenge Tour last year. It would be fabulous, but I don't want to think about it too much."