Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington both open strongly at Troon

Rory McIlroy was the pick of the bunch but Padraig Harrington was only a shot behind him

Rory McIlroy did not have too many complaints as he got his bid for the 145th Open Championship title under way with a solid opening round at Royal Troon on Thursday, writes Simon Lewis.

Playing in what are expected to be the most benign conditions of the week with clear skies, sunshine and little wind on the west coast of Scotland, world number four McIlroy shot a first-round, two-under-par 69 to keep pace with the early championship leaders. American Patrick Reed was the clubhouse leader in the afternoon with roughly half of the field done for the day, the Texan setting the benchmark for the later starters to chase after an opening 66, five under par.