Rory McIlroy fired a breathtaking 63 to forge into a clear lead on the first morning of this year’s Open Championship at St Andrews.
McIlroy, the 21-year-old Irish golf prodigy, fired seven birdies and an eagle two at the ninth to move onto -9 at the end of his first round. It is the lowest first round in British Open history
South African Louis Oosthuizen is two shots back on -7 after a terrific 65.
John Daly, who won the British Open on the same course in 1995 after defeating Constantino Rocca in a playoff, is tied for third on -6 with Andrew Coltart, Steven Tiley, Bradley Dredge and Peter Hanson.
Tournament favourite and world number one Tiger Woods is on -5.
German golfer Marcel Siem was the early leader after going out in 32, and finished his round on -5.
English golfer Lee Westwood is well placed on -5, while Irish hopefuls Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington are on -2 and +1 respectively.
US Open champion Graeme McDowell is +1, while Irish Open Champion Shane Lowry is in 17th after an impressive -4.
