Former champion Mark O'Meara, fresh from a four under par 67, on Thursday criticized golfers who "whine a lot" after some British Open competitors suggested conditions were unfair.

"Everybody's personality is different out there. And I'm not saying that I haven't complained or gotten upset on the golf course, but I'm not a big fan of guys that get out there and whine a lot," he said.

Golfers, including leading figures in the game like Phil Mickelson and Ian Poulter, had a go at the course set-up, which became lightning quick in the afternoon, making it difficult to stop the ball near the hole.