McIlroy makes slow start to Open challenge | Story of Rory's round

Rory McIlroy began his quest at the 154th Open Championship with a modest opening round of 72 at Royal Birkdale, setting the tone for a challenging tournament ahead. Despite his stellar reputation, McIlroy struggled early on, missing a few key shots that left him two strokes off the pace. This slow start is notable as McIlroy is a four-time major champion, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike. A solid recovery will be crucial for McIlroy to contend in the latter rounds, especially given the course's demanding nature.