Rory McIlroy hopes he has found the club to take him to Open Championship glory in three weeks.

One of the leading lights of the Britain and Ireland Walker Cup side failed to shine on the opening day at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.

The United States held the early advantage when they began the defence of the Walker Cup against Britain and Ireland’s amateurs at Royal County Down in the North today.

Irish champion Rory McIlroy gave his Walker Cup chances a boost when he finished third in the prestigious Lytham Trophy.