• Open Championship

McIlroy proud of battling display after opening 71

Rory McIlroy came through well after a difficult start © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Amateur Lewis cannot remember round of his life
  
• News: Bjorn free from memories of 2003 after opening 65
  
• Features: Lewis lives up to formidable golfing heritage
  
• Features: McIlroy and friends gear up for marathon, not sprint
  
• News: McIlroy outshone by amazing amateur Lewis
  
• News: What They Said
  
• Profile: Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy believes he did his Open chances no harm at all after a one-over par round of 71 to start the tournament on Thursday.

McIlroy missed a short putt for par at the first before dropping another shot at the third, but played the remaining holes one-under to sit six shots back of clubhouse leader Thomas Bjorn.

Nevertheless, the US Open champion was content with his day's work, which saw playing partners Ernie Els and Rickie Fowler shoot 72 and 70 respectively.

"It was definitely a good way to play in the conditions," McIlroy said. "I felt like, especially after the start in bogeying two of the first three holes, that playing the last 15 in one-under par was a pretty good effort.

"I said yesterday if the conditions stayed the same I'd take two 70s over the first two days, and if I shoot 69 tomorrow with similar conditions, I'll be really happy going into the weekend."

After his breakthrough win at Congressional three weeks ago, the 22-year-old was clearly the biggest draw of the early starters - with huge galleries following him all the way around Royal St George's.

McIlroy admitted that concentrating on the job in hand prevented him from fully taking in the experience.

"It was great. I probably didn't take it in as much as I could have," he said. "I was just trying to concentrate on that first tee shot. But it's nice to have that support out on the golf course. Hopefully I can give them something to shout about."

Despite being well behind Bjorn, McIlroy was happy with almost every aspect of his game on a day where the wind had a major impact.

"We talked to Ernie on the 11th tee and we're like, 'What's he [Bjorn] doing?! How is he six -under par?'", McIlroy noted.

"I don't feel as if I have to do that much differently. I just need to keep it tight, keep it on the fairway, hit a few greens and just take your birdies here and there.

"I feel like if you keep it around level par this week you're going to have a good chance."

Now expected to contend at every major he tees it up at, the Northern Irishman believes he has already got accustomed to the pressure that comes with that.

"It's a nice pressure to have, I'm not complaining," McIlroy said. "I've put myself in this position, and it's what I've always wanted to do. I wanted to be under pressure to win tournaments.

"I mean, if that's the worst complaint that I have, I'll be doing all right."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.