McIlroy suffer nightmare start at the British Open

Rory McIlroy ‘s bid to end a 10-year major drought was blown off course with a seven opar opening round of the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon.

McIlroy was aiming to get over his heartbreak at the US Open last month, where he missed two short putts to blow the lead as DeChambeau claimed his second major by one shot.

In blustery and wet conditions on Thursday, the Northern Irishman’s round, and likely his championship, unravelled at the postage stamp 120-yard eighth.

McIlroy was unfortunate as his near-perfect tee shot slipped off the green into a bunker, which he took two attempts to get out of, to post a double bogey five.

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Another double bogey followed at the 11th, while he also dropped shots at the 10th, 15th and 18th.

“All I need to focus on is tomorrow and try to make the cut,” said McIlroy.

“I need to go out there and play better and try to shoot something under par and at least be here for the weekend, if not try to put myself up the leaderboard a bit more and feel like I have half a chance.”