Adam Scott has won a new fan in the British Open galleries despite hitting the unwitting spectator on the head with a wayward drive at Hoylake.

The veteran Australian star had a calamitous double-bogey at the par-five 18th hole on Thursday, a saga that began when his first drive veered right and out of bounds and hit a man among the big galleries which had flocked to the opening day at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

The man ended up with cuts and needed treatment as Scott looked on in concern after he saw the supporter had been left dazed and with cuts to his head from the blow.

When it was clear he was going to be okay, Scott pulled out a glove, signed it and handed it to his victim. It contained the simple message: "Sorry, mate."

The fan, identified as Chris who works at a Liverpool brewery, posted pictures on social media showing the cuts to his head, saying: "This is what happens when you take a day off work!"

But he made it clear all was forgiven as he added on his company's Twitter feed: "Thanks for the signed glove. Good luck with the rest of the week Adam Scott."

The incident clearly shook 43-year-old Scott, though, as he went back to the tee after his drive and compensated wildly by hooking the next one into the rough in the other direction.

He eventually finished with a seven, which ruined what had been until then an excellent round as he had been on course to shoot a one-under 70 if he had parred 18. Instead, he had to settle for a one-over par 72.

Scott, who celebrated his birthday last weekend, is still dreaming of winning another major to go with his 2013 Masters green jacket, having also come desperately close to lifting the Claret Jug the year earlier but for a dramatic last-round collapse.

Scott was not the only player to have left a spectator bloodied with an errant shot as Jon Rahm also hit a tee shot at the 12th into the galleries, striking a man close to his right temple.

The Spaniard was, like Scott, relieved the injury wasn't too bad but had to take his own medicine with the ball having ricocheted off the spectator's head into the nearby bunker.

The ball nestled so close to the face Rahm had to play out back towards the tee.

"How are you?" the world No.3 asked his unfortunate fall guy. "OK. How's your lie?" replied the fan. "It's terrible," was Rahm's response.