McIlroy grabs clubhouse lead
Rory McIlroy produced a solid display to take the clubhouse lead in the opening round of The Open Championship.
The Northern Irishmen surged into the lead after he carded a brilliant six under 66 at Royal Liverpool.
The round is McIlroy’s second best at the tournament, following his scintillating 63 on the first day at St Andrews in 2000.
McIlroy used his driver to devastating effect, taking advantage of the light winds to average an impressive 340 yards off the tee. On the tighter holes, he would use his long irons for placement.
The two time Major winner got off to a fairly fast start and was three under through six holes. He would back it up with three more birdies on the back nine for a bogey free round.
“It was pretty stress-free, to be honest,” the 25-year-old told ESPN.
While he was suitably happy after the days work, McIlroy will perhaps feel more pressure tomorrow as he is a staggering eleven over par in second rounds this year.
This was exemplified at the Scottish Open last week, where he carded a course record 64 opening round, only to follow it up with a disappointing 78 the next day.
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