Mighty McIlroy storms into Open lead
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 18, 2014
Rory McIlroy shot his second best British Open score at Royal Liverpool yesterday to take the clubhouse lead in a low-scoring first round that also saw Tiger Woods hit form.
The 25-year-old, two-time major winner's six under 66, was bettered only by his course record 63 in the first round at St Andrews four years ago.
"Anytime you shoot 66 at the Open Championship, you're going to be pleased," said McIlroy.
Halfway through a gripping first round which saw the 156-strong field greeted by perfect playing conditions, McIlroy had his feet up early afternoon in the clubhouse with a one stroke lead over rising star Matteo Manassero, who had seven birdies en route to a 67 — the 21-year-old Italian's best Open score in four appearances.
Two more Italians — the Molinari brothers Edoardo and Francesco — were a further stroke back at four under, level with Americans Jim Furyk and Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia of Spain.
On three under 69 were Robert Karlsson of Sweden, Marc Leishman of Australia, Japan's Koumei Oda, Americans Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker as well as top Japanese hope Hideki Matsuyama.
They were then joined on that mark by Woods, playing in just his second tournament since undergoing back surgery in late March. The 38-year-old American, who won at Hoylake in 2006, bogeyed his first two holes, but three straight birdies from the 11th saw him move to two under and put a visible spring in his step as he closed out a morale-boosting round.
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