Stunning start to The Open as McIlroy dominates

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

RORY McILROY produced a flawless opening round of 66 at Hoylake to leave all his fans wondering what today might hold in store. It is not unusual for McIlroy to get off to a flying start, but neither is it unusual for him to follow it with a second round that knocks him out of contention and leaves him playing catch-up.

Most famously, it happened during The Open at St Andrews in 2010 when a 63 was followed by an 80. And he has repeated the dose time and again this year. Including this round, he is 48 under par for his opening rounds in 2014; for the second round, it is 11 over par. It is a worry for the player and all those who support him.

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But on this day, on this course, he was simply sublime. He has three birdies on each nine and played impeccably. On the couple of occasions when he did get himself out of position he was able to play wondrous recovery shots, but he will feel that he left at least two shots out there - McIlroy missed straightforward birdie opportunities at the second and the third. But he was happy enough afterwards.

"I couldn't ask for anymore," he said. "I stuck to my gameplan, focused on the par fives and tried to pick up other shots. For the most part my ball was under control and I'm very happy. I'm playing well, swinging the club really nicely, holed some nice putts and I'll try to continue to do that and hopefully have another solid round tomorrow."

It was a great day for Italy, with brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari each coming home in 68, one behind young compatriot Matteo Manassero, who returned to form in fine style after what has been a poor season to date.

There were also 68s for Brooks Koepka, Jim Furyk and Sergio Garcia who, for once, putted really well.

And Tiger Woods recovered from a dreadful start, in which he bogeyed the opening two holes, to record five birdies in six holes on the back nine for a 69 that proved what a fighter he is.

If there is a European golfer who needs a good Open Championship it is Lee Westwood. The Englishman is apparently in freefall in the world rankings and, as things stand, will not make Paul McGinley's European Ryder Cup team. But he got off to a good start, with a couple of early birdies.

Of the afternoon starters, Adam Scott was the most likely to catch McIlroy. An eagle at the fifth and a couple of birdies moved him to four under on the front nine, three ahead of Rose, with whom he was playing.

Ernie Els took a staggering 43 shots to play the front nine - the worst in the field. It all started going wrong when he attempted to back-hand a putt into the hole and missed, running up a seven.

Derek Clements is a sports journalist with a particular passion for golf with over 12 years of experience covering golf and other sports including Chief Sub-Editor on the sports desk of The Sunday Times. To contact Derek email direct via [email protected]