Graeme McDowell's victory last month has inspired compatriot Rory McIlroy to card a stunning 63 (-9) in the opening round of the British Open. 63 equals the best ever score recorded on the first day of any major. To have earned such an accolade at the tender age of 21 is quite something, but it says more about the way St. Andrews is playing than it does about McIlroy's form.
The cut is looking like it could well be under par at this rate and, sitting in second place, John Daly at -5 might be in to repeat his 1995 victory. A topsy-turvy start on a course that was expected to throw-up some truly awful weather, this could turn out to be a great contest.
Early sufferers, like Tom Watson, who are ill-equipped to play this course in fine conditions due to short-range driving skills, may be able to weasel their way back into contention if a storm picks-up tomorrow. McIlroy is looking hot and has been the best of the bunch by some way, but bad weather could easily see him slide as drastically as he climbed today.
Woods is solid at -5 and will definitely be a factor come the close. McIlroy might be looking back on this week in ten years time as the week he came of age. With seven birdies and one eagle (shooting a magical -8 on the back 10) it's a dream come true already, but will he be able to find the consistency and bottle required to win a major? The rest of golf awaits the outcome of this fascinating tournament with eager anticipation.
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