Open Championship 2022: 'I have confidence' - Rory McIlroy happy with start on Old Course at St Andrews

Rory McIlroy is delighted with his position after the opening round of the Open Championship, and feels his game is in excellent shape for the final major of the year. The Irishman plotted his way round the Old Course in impressive fashion, and made only one mistake when an errant chip shot on 13 left him out of position. Ad/> But there were seven birdies in an opening round of 66 to leave him within two shots of leader Cameron Young.

The OpenMcIlroy cruises round Old Course to sit two off clubhouse lead of Young2 HOURS AGO McIlroy has played well in the majors this year, finishing second in the Masters, eighth at the US PGA Championship and fifth at the US Open. He has not won a major since 2014, and it has often been a case of him playing himself out of events in the first round. His scoring in the first round of majors for the last six years was 34-over.

This year, he is 12-under. «I am driving the ball well and once I’m putting myself in the fairways I am giving myself chances because my iron play is better than it has been,” McIlroy said. “I am putting well and seeing shots well around the green and thinking well.

“That is the most important part this week is thinking well around this place. If you can do that, you will keep yourself in the tournament.” »Everything feels very settled. No real issues with my game.

Everything feels like it's in good shape. «Everything feels just sort of nice and quiet, which is a nice way to be.» Open Championship LIVE Updates 'I had a great reception' — Poulter booed on first tee, recovers to make monster eagle 'I couldn't be happier' — Mickelson has no regrets over LIV Golf decision Reflecting on his round of 66, McIlroy said: “I played well. Very solid.