Rory on brink as Lowry finds edge after coach pep talk

A pre-Open Championship pep talk from coach Neil Manchip propelled a previously uneasy Lowrytowards his lowest opening round in a major and the business end of the leaderboard on a rollercoaster first day at Royal Portrush. But what would Rory McIlroy have given for Lowry’s 67 at The 148th Open?

Lowry’s four-under-par opening salvo means he will start today’s second round in sole possession of second place, one shot off the 18-hole lead held by American JB Holmes. Tournament favourite McIlroy, meanwhile, will spend his day trying to avoid the halfway cut following an awful eight-over 79 in the tournament he so desperately needed to be a victorious homecoming parade.