Choppy waters at Hoylake but McIlroy manages to stay afloat

Desperate to clinch that fifth major, Irishman struggles for momentum in opening round but stunning par save on last keeps him in it 

KNEESY DOES IT: Ireland's Rory McIlroy chips out of a bunker on the 18th during day one of The Open at Royal Liverpool, Wirral. Picture date: Thursday July 20, 2023. Pic: James Warwich/PA

Rory McIlroy will begin his second round at the 151st Open still in the hunt for a repeat of his 2014 triumph here at Royal Liverpool — but only just.

The world number two, looking to end his nine-year title drought in the majors at the scene of his third and penultimate success, kept his chances alive with a level-par opening round of 71 thanks to two back-nine birdies and a dramatic par save at the 18th that leaves the Irishman five shots off a three-way tie for the lead held by Amateur champion Christo Lamprecht of South Africa, local hero Tommy Fleetwood, and Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo, ranked No.41.