Open Championship 2022: Rory McIlroy cruises round Old Course to sit two off clubhouse lead of Cameron Young

Rory McIlroy made a strong start to the Open Championship behind clubhouse leader Cameron Young. After near misses in all three majors this year, McIlroy is looking to end a major drought dating back to 2014. Ad/> His form has been good this season, with the Northern Irishman driving the ball well and his wedge play and putting much improved.

The Open'I couldn't be happier' — Mickelson has no regrets over LIV Golf decision3 HOURS AGO In 2010 at St Andrews he blitzed the field in the opening round only to be blown out of contention by a gale on Friday. He did not blitz the field 12 years on, but produced largely excellent golf to put himself firmly in the mix at six-under after 18 holes. McIlroy made an excellent start with a birdie on the first.

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 With the wind direction on Thursday, the front nine was where the bulk of the scoring opportunities were. McIlroy cashed in with birdies on five, six and seven. The birdie on the fifth, a par five, came despite his tee shot hitting a stone in the middle of the fairway and taking probably 30 yards off the distance.

/> A simple birdie on the driveable 12th followed, but he made his first mistake of the round and dropped a shot on 13. He attempted to get a bit too cute with a pitch over a bunker, but caught the downslope and the ball careered through the green to result in the first bogey on his card. McIlroy got the shot back one hole later.