BRO, Sweden, (Reuters) – British Open champion Louis  Oosthuizen continued his sublime form to share the lead in the  Scandinavian Masters first round yesterday.

The 27-year-old South African, who romped to his first major  title at St Andrews on Sunday, made five birdies on the back  nine to card a five-under-par 67, level with Australian Richard  Green and American Dustin Johnson.

“The last thing I wanted to do was put up a bad show because  the crowds have been unbelievable to me, cheering me on every  tee and green,” Oosthuizen told reporters.

He drew level with Green with a 35-foot birdie putt on the  last after holing putts of 30 and 25 feet earlier in the round.

“I didn’t feel any pressure and I guess playing straight  after the Open in a way makes it a bit easier because you know  you are hitting it well and I made some great putts on the back  nine,” Oosthuizen said.

“I’m very tired when I get back to the hotel room and I woke  up tired this morning, so it definitely drained me last week.

“But I’m encouraged by knowing I’ll be taking time off next  week.”

Left-hander Green, who competed in the Australian Grand Prix  GT motor racing category last year, was happy with his more  conventional driving.

“My driving has been pretty scratchy this year but a friend  this week brought me out an old driver I’d used before and it  seems to be doing me some good,” he said.

Johnson, playing on invitation after finishing tied 14th at  St Andrews, matched Oosthuizen and Green with a flawless card  containing five birdies.