Rory McIlroy shoots 72, trails leader by seven at The Open
ESPN Golf • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 9:00 PM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
Rory McIlroy ended the first round of The Open on July 16 with a two-over par score of 72, placing him seven strokes behind the leader. McIlroy struggled significantly with his putting, contributing to his erratic performance throughout the day. The round puts him in an uphill battle for the remainder of the tournament. Competitors will continue to vie for the lead as The Open progresses over the coming days.
- •Rory McIlroy scores 72 in the first round of The Open
- •He is currently seven strokes off the lead
- •Putting issues were a significant factor in his round
- •His struggle may affect his chances for the tournament
- •The tournament continues over the next few days
- 9:50 PMESPN Golf — Putting issues see McIlroy 7 off lead at the Open
- 9:04 PMYahoo Sports — McIlroy hopeful of recovery after ‘stupid mistakes’ on Open day one
"Rory McIlroy remained confident of getting back into contention at the Open after beginning his challenge at Royal Birkdale with a frustrating two-over-par 72. A stone-cold putter cost the Masters champion as he missed numerous opportunities on the Southport links and ran up six bogeys.
"A stone-cold putter cost an erratic Rory McIlroy on a frustrating first day at The Open as a two-over round of 72 left him seven off the lead and already facing an uphill battle.
Sources
External links- ESPN GolfJul 16, 2026, 9:50 PMPutting issues see McIlroy 7 off lead at the Open
A stone-cold putter cost an erratic Rory McIlroy on a frustrating first day at The Open as a two-over round of 72 left him seven off the lead and already facing an uphill battle.
- Yahoo SportsJul 16, 2026, 9:04 PMMcIlroy hopeful of recovery after ‘stupid mistakes’ on Open day one
Rory McIlroy remained confident of getting back into contention at the Open after beginning his challenge at Royal Birkdale with a frustrating two-over-par 72. A stone-cold putter cost the Masters champion as he missed numerous opportunities on the Southport links and ran up six bogeys.
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