Flawless Rory roars with 66

HOYLAKE, Britain—Rory McIlroy shot a flawless six-under-par 66 to lead by one stroke after the first round of the British Open on Thursday on a day of low scoring which also saw fit-again Tiger Woods find some form.

The 25-year-old Irishman’s opening salvo was the second best round he has carded at the Open, bettered only by the course-record 63 he shot in the first round at St. Andrews four years ago.

On that occasion he came back to the Old Course the next day and slumped to a horrendous 80 that wrecked his title hopes.

McIlroy finished a gripping, sun-drenched day at Royal Liverpool one shot clear of 21-year-old Italian star Matteo Manassero, who had seven birdies en route to a 67.

Two more Italians—the Molinari brothers Edoardo and Francesco—were a further stroke back at 68, level with Americans Jim Furyk and Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia of Spain and world No. 1 Adam Scott of Australia.

In what was a top-class leaderboard, nine players were camped on 69 including Woods, who was playing in just his second tournament since undergoing back surgery in late March.

The 38-year-old American, who won at Hoylake the last time the Open was held there 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.

McIlroy looked full of confidence from the start and stood at three under after just six holes. Further birdies came at 10, 12 and 16.

The two-time major winner could have gone even lower had he not hit his second from the rough into a tough greenside pot bunker at the par-five last.

“Anytime you shoot 66 at the Open Championship, you’re going to be pleased,” said McIlroy, who missed the cut at Muirfield last year.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson struggled to get going as he came in with a 74, top home hope Justin Rose settled for a 72 and US Open champion Martin Kaymer a 73.

The champion of two years ago, Ernie Els, had a nightmare day and looked upset on the way to a soul-destroying 79. AFP