Rory McIlroy Opens The Open 7 Shots Back After 72 as Scheffler Starts at 2 Under
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 16
Rory McIlroy Opens The Open 7 Shots Back After 72 as Scheffler Starts at 2 Under
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 16
Summary
Two-over 72 left Rory McIlroy seven shots off the lead after the opening round at Royal Birkdale, a shaky start to his bid for a second Claret Jug.
Royal Birkdale's baked-out links conditions helped produce a difficult day, and McIlroy now faces early pressure after arriving with momentum from his second Masters title in April.
Scottie Scheffler, coming off a missed cut at last week's Scottish Open, opened at 2 under to stay firmly in contention as defending champion.
Tommy Fleetwood gave home fans reason for hope at 1 under, while Matt Fitzpatrick struggled to 2 over on a course seen as a strong fit for his precision game.