Rory McIlroy arrived at Royal Birkdale for the second round of The Open hoping to capitalise on more favourable morning conditions, aiming to reignite his tournament challenge.
The Masters champion, who finished his opening round two over par and seven shots adrift of surprise American leader Jackson Suber, found Thursday afternoon’s play particularly challenging due to a stronger wind and crustier greens.
Reflecting on his round of 72, where he struggled with his putting, McIlroy expressed optimism for the day ahead.
"I’m not too far away. If you look at the discrepancy between the scoring this morning and the scoring this afternoon, it looks like that’s going to be flipped with the conditions again," he stated.
"Hopefully I can take advantage of the more benign conditions in the morning and shoot one under par and get back in it."
While the skies were cloudier than on day one, the early starters were poised to benefit from a negligible easterly wind and early-morning dew, which promised a more forgiving course.
Among those teeing off early alongside McIlroy were his playing partners Matt Fitzpatrick, also two over, and 2024 champion Xander Schauffele, one over.
US PGA champion Aaron Rai, one over, and US Open champion Wyndham Clark, three over, were also in the early groups.
An early indication of the improved scoring potential came from Tiger Christensen, who birdied his first two holes after a 6.35am start, moving to three over.
Meanwhile, Suber, the world number 115 whose career-best finish was fourth at last month’s Canadian Open, had an early opportunity to prove his impressive opening 65 was no fluke, having teed off at 7.30am.
A number of other players will also fancy their chances of moving into contention for the Claret Jug after solid opening rounds.
Bryson DeChambeau was tied for fourth overnight on three under par, while home favourites Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton were just two shots further back on one under par. They were joined on this mark by Jon Rahm, who is a two-time major winner but has never lifted the Claret Jug, with his best result at the Open being tied-second in 2023.
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