McIlroy takes clubhouse lead, Woods looking dangerous
John Daly may have stolen the early headlines, but it is Rory McIlroy who currently holds the clubhouse lead at the Open Championship, after an inspired opening round of nine-under-par 63 - the lowest-ever first round in the 150 year history of the tournament.
McIlroy birdied six of the last nine holes, narrowly missing out on a birdie putt on the 17th, having already eagled the ninth. With no wind to speak of and little rain, the 21-year-old was quick to point out he had taken advantage of the unexpectedly fine weather, admitting the conditions made it easy to play well.
Talking about his birdie miss on the 17th, "It was unfortunate I didn't make the putt, but I made up for it on the last." But the Ulsterman was clearly delighted with his opening, adding: "Hopefully I can just keep it going for the next few days." He also thanked the fans, calling them "fantastic," and added "I need all the support I can get out there, it gets you going."
McIlroy was in show-stopping form today, but he expects to take a more conservative approach tomorrow should the expected windy conditions emerge. But as well as he performed, McIlroy will also be aware that foul weather is not the only threat to his bid to become the second player from Northern Ireland to win a major in as many months.
Tiger Woods, in particular, is proving it's a foolish man who writes off the world No. 1 at St Andrews. Woods is tied for second place, the 34-year-old having diligently gone about his business this morning to rack up six birdies over 15 holes, three off the pace of leader McIlroy.
Another American hot on the heels of the tousle-haired youngster is Sean O'Hair, who briefly took sole second place with a seventh birdie on the 14th - only to bogey the next hole.
Scotland's Andrew Coltart, the US's John Daly and Korean amateur Jin Jeong are the other players currently tied for second place.
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