Open Championship 2022: Cameron Young opens with a 64

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The first time Cameron Young played the Old Course at St. Andrews was one of his best moments in golf. The most recent one was even better.

In his British Open debut, Young plotted his way around the course in a gentle breeze and finished with a long two-putt birdie for an 8-under 64 for a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy among the earlier starters.

Young, whose father is the longtime pro at Sleepy Hollow in New York, first came to Scotland in 2010 when he was 13. He played some of the fabled courses in the area — St. Andrews, Carnoustie, North Berwick — not knowing then that he would even pursue a career in golf.

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Cameron Young of the US plays a shot on the 4th hole during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

"Any time you set foot on the first tee or 18th green or anywhere, there’s just no hiding how special of a place it is," Young said. "And it’s certainly been a goal to get to an Open Championship. And for my first one to be here is a little bit extra special for me."

He's not even sure he played his best for his opening round. His tee shots weren't always going where he was looking. But in his short time back at St. Andrews, he learned enough about where to go and how to play the centuries-old course to get by just fine.

Young went out in 31. He drove over the green on the par-4 12th, pitched back to 8 feet and holed it for birdie to reach 7-under par. A record score at St. Andrews on a good day for scoring was within reach.

Cameron Young of the US on the 18th green during the