Rory McIlroy pushed to solid British Open start by home support
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Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy during the first round of the British Open.
PHOTO: REUTERS
PORTRUSH – Rory McIlroy “felt the support of an entire country” as he ground his way to an under-par start at the British Open on July 17, battling errant driving during a marathon first round at Royal Portrush that lasted almost six hours.
The Northern Irishman was given a hero’s welcome from his home crowd after ending his long wait to complete the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April.
He appeared to be on the charge when he reached three under just after the turn, but a long day on the links took its toll as he made three bogeys in his last eight holes.
The world No. 2 managed to hit only two of 14 fairways, but somehow still managed to card a 70 to leave him just three shots off the first-round lead.
Harris English of the United States and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick joined Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen, China’s Li Haotong and South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout with four-under 67s to share the lead.
“I feel the support of an entire country out there, which is a wonderful position to be in, but at the same time, you don’t want to let them down,” McIlroy said.
“So there’s that little bit of added pressure.”
It was a massive improvement from the opening 79 that ruined his tournament in 2019, when the British Open returned to Portrush after a 68-year absence.
“I felt like I dealt with it really well today,” McIlroy added.
“Certainly dealt with it better than I did six years ago.
“I was just happy to get off to a good start and get myself into the tournament.”
The 36-year-old, who arrived earlier this week wearing his Masters Green Jacket, was undoubtedly the star attraction on a course where he fired a record-breaking 61 in 2005.
Another big name, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, also made a fine start to sit three under.
The American is well placed to launch his challenge for a fourth Major and a first Claret Jug despite a series of wayward tee shots.
He hit just three fairways but still produced one of the best rounds of the day, thanks to his brilliant approach play.
“Felt like I hit the ball nice off the tee, and really only had one swing I wasn’t too happy with on maybe the second hole, so definitely a good bit of confidence for the next couple rounds,” Scheffler said.
“When it’s raining sideways, it’s actually, believe it or not, not that easy to get the ball in the fairway. Thank you guys all for pointing that out.” AFP, REUTERS
