Rory McIlroy admits “I just didn’t adapt to the conditions well enough” after shooting a disastrous seven-over par 78 on the first day of the Open at Royal Troon.
July 19, 2024 by
Rory McIlroy’s 10-year wait for a fifth major will extend for another season after a first-round horror show left him struggling to qualify for the Open.
The world number two scored a seven-over-par 78 in his worst round at a major since 2019, leaving him 13 points clear of the lead held by 29-year-old Yorkshireman Daniel Brown, who is playing in his first major . “It’s been a tough day and all I’ve got to focus on is getting to the second round and qualifying,” McIlroy said. That’s all I can focus on.
“I need to do better in these conditions, I need to go out there and play better, try to do something subpar and at least stay here for the weekend.”
Playing for only the second time since his final-day collapse at the US Open last month, McIlroy suffered from severe weather at Troon, where wind gusts of more than 25mph battered the course. Rory McIlroy almost ruined his chances of emulating Shane Lowry’s potential feat of winning two British Opens. Lowry leads at Royal Troon on the first day of the 152nd British Open Championship.
The Irishman is looking to win his second British Open and got off to a perfect start on Thursday.
His low point was a poor putt on the 11th hole, which went wide and landed on the other side of a nearby train track.
The 35-year-old, who narrowly missed out on a belated fifth major title at last month’s U.S. Open, added, “I felt like I was good at the start of the round, but then I missed the green on the second.” So they made a double stamp. “But I still felt like I was in pretty good shape by the nine and thought maybe I could get those few shots back, maybe I could try and get an even-par shot.
“The wind in the last nine metres helped, but it was blowing way too far left. I was actually surprised at how hard I struggled to play on the back nine. The wind was blowing like we haven’t seen this week and the conditions were very tough. “So then you start to think about different options and maybe try some clubs that you haven’t hit in practice. It’s one of those days where I just didn’t adapt well to the situation.
Meanwhile, surprise leader Brown said, “I’m really excited but I’ve got to stay grounded so I’m just going to go out there and do the best I can.”
Shane Lowry shot a perfect 66 to move two strokes ahead of former world number one Justin Thomas and get off to the perfect start in his quest for a second British Open title. On Thursday evening in Scotland, Lawry shook hands with caddie Darren Reynolds as Daniel Brown closed in on him by one stroke.
The contrast with McIlroy immediately recalled the 2019 Royal Portrush Open, when Lawry started with a 67 en route to the Claret Jug and the Northern Irishman’s chances were blown with a 79.
“It’s been fun,” Lawry told Sky Sports after birdies on the fourth, seventh, eighth, 11th and 18th holes.
\’I got off to a bit of an iffy start and holed a couple of nice par putts early on and then I was off and running.
\’I try not to think about it [2019] too much now. I holed a putt to go into the lead and I thought \’It\’s the first time I\’ve led The Open in five years\’.
\’No matter what I do that week in Portrush will always have a special place in my heart. I love this place and this tournament.”
Bryson DeChambeau, who beat McIlroy at Pinehurst to win his second US Open, also found himself far behind after a 76, although the American birdied at least 55 feet for an eagle on the 16th.
DeChambeau’s front nine of 42 included a double bogey on the 612-yard sixth, where he was able to advance his second shot just a few yards into the heavy rough before hitting his next shot into the adjacent 13th fairway. “It was a big lie. I tried to hit it with a 7-iron, but I couldn’t,” DeChambeau said.
After winning his second U.S. Open, Bryson DeChambeau found himself way behind. Former world No. 1 Justin Thomas is two strokes behind Lowry and is happy with his first day of play.
“Then I tried to hit a 5-wood, but it hit the left side of the club face and went left. I am glad that no one was injured. \ ‘
Thomas has led Club 3 goals to nominal value. The birds on the 17th and the 18th were 68 double winners, improving with 14 shots in Hoirac last year.
I couldn’t even tell you what I thought. “I’m worried about how I’m feeling right now but I’m really happy with my performance and I know things are continuing to move in the right direction. I just have to keep trying to play well.”
Sweden’s Alex Noren secured a spot in the Scottish Open on Sunday by finishing in a tie for 10th place, behind American Russell Henley and Ryder Cup teammates Justin Rose and Nicolai Hojgaard. Rose had to go through 36 holes to advance to Troon, but finished with two birdies and 16 pars for a bogey-free 69.