Rory McIlroy exorcised his Friday demons in style as Tiger Woods almost paid the ultimate price for abandoning the tactics which previously brought him victory at Royal Liverpool in the second round of the 143rd Open Championship.

Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey was forced to pull out of the 143rd Open Championship after just seven holes of his second round today.

Low scoring dominated the first day of the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool – with Rory McIlroy and a rusty Tiger Woods getting in on the act.

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson set the early clubhouse lead on the first day of the 143rd Open Championship but with perfect scoring conditions at Royal Liverpool he was unlikely to hold it for long.

England’s David Howell and Italian Edoardo Molinari made the most of perfect scoring conditions at Royal Liverpool to take the early lead in the 143rd Open Championship.

Welcome to your Thursday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Visitors to the UK often seek out the sites of tradition. Indeed it seems that British pomp and circumstance holds a special appeal – none more apparent than at the country’s leading sporting events, such as the Open Championship, which under the guidance of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has barely moved away from its traditions over the past century and a half.

The eyes of the golfing world, not to mention a dedicated TV channel, will be on Tiger Woods in the opening round of the 143rd Open Championship on Thursday.

Two-time major winner Rory McIlroy insists he is happy with life and is not letting anything deflect his focus away from golf as he bids to win his first Open Championship.

Tiger Woods was back in his old routine this morning as he continued his preparations for the 143rd Open Championship at Hoylake.

Former Open champion Padraig Harrington admits he needs to loosen up as he looks to rediscover his winning touch at Hoylake this week.

Tiger Woods will not have to wait too long to make his competitive return to Hoylake in the 143rd Open Championship, which gets under way on Thursday.