Cameron Young leads British Open, Lawrence and Els best-placed of SA contingent

Cameron Young of the United States stormed into the lead with an eight-under-par 64 in the first round of the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Thursday but Rory McIlroy sat just two strokes behind after an impressive start to his bid for the Claret Jug.

Thriston Lawrence is the best placed South African as he sites tied for 14th plac after firing an three-under-par 69 while Ernie Els rolled back the years to finish on two-under after firing 70. 

Young, the 25-year-old American, produced a flawless round featuring no bogeys and eight birdies.

That gave him a two-shot lead in the clubhouse from McIlroy, whose 66 included three straight birdies between the fifth and seventh holes.

Young, ranked 32nd in the world, finished tied third in this year's PGA Championship and has now put himself in a strong position to be a contender into the weekend.

LIVE LEADERBOARD | 150th Open Championship at St Andrews

"I think any time you're around the lead in a major championship or any PGA Tour event, frankly, you get more and more comfortable every time," said Young, who first played the Old Course with his parents aged 13.

"Whether I'm leading by three or one or four back after today, I'll sleep just fine."

McIlroy was the favourite for the Claret Jug coming into the week, and the Northern Irishman, who won the Open in 2014, lived up to his billing in the opening round.

His 66, featuring just one dropped shot at the par-four 13th hole, matched his score in the opening round on his way to victory at Hoylake eight years ago.

"I need to go out tomorrow and back up what I just did today. I think that's important to do," said the 33-year-old, who will not tee off until mid-afternoon on Friday.

"But again, this golf course isn't going to change