Rory McIlroy off to one over start at British Open, six shots behind lead

By: Sean O'Shea | Published Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 2:43 PM | Updated Friday, September 9, 2011, 10:27 PM

Rory McIlory got off to a reasonable start at the British Open in Royal Sandwich, bogeying the first hole and dropping another shot to par to go two over after 12 but he pulled one back on the 17th .

That was six shots behind current leader Thomas Bjorn who was at five under as he completed his first round

McIlroy scrambled to save par on the second but dropped another shot on the third.

He finally got one back on the eight when he holed a long putt.

However, he was well back hardly the start he wanted for the tournament.

There have been massive expectations and hype about McIlroy after his US Open win and it hardly surprising that he may be feeling some of that pressure.

Strong winds has made the holes tough and the Royal and Ancient responded by making the greens more approachable.