Cameron Young sets clubhouse target as Rory McIlroy starts well at St Andrews

American Cameron Young set an imposing clubhouse target on day one of the 150th Open Championship as Rory McIlroy’s delayed return to St Andrews proved well worth the wait.

Making his tournament debut and playing just the sixth major of his career, Young carded eight birdies in a flawless 64, a score only McIlroy has beaten in the opening round of an Open on the Old Course.

McIlroy’s 63 came back in 2010 and was followed by an 80 in terrible weather, while an ankle injury suffered playing football prevented him from defending his Open title at the same venue in 2015.

The four-time major winner admitted this week therefore felt like the title defence he never had and he got off to a brilliant start, holing from 55 feet for birdie on the first and making seven in total in his 66.

In stark contrast, 15-time major winner Tiger Woods had covered his first three holes in three over, making a double bogey on the first after hitting his approach – from a fairway divot – into the Swilcan Burn short of the green.

“I played well, very solid,” McIlroy said. “Everyone knows you have to make your score going out and I did that.

“Started off tremendously with a bonus on the first, birdied the par five (fifth), a couple of the short par fours and then on the back nine you pick off a couple on the 14th and 18th.

“I birdied the holes I should have and only made one mistake and the way this course is playing it’s all about limiting your mistakes.

“I’m driving the ball well, once I put myself in the fairway I’m giving myself chances because my irons a little bit better; I’m putting well, seeing shots well and thinking well and I think that’s the most important part this week.”

Young had missed the cut in his last two starts, but the world