McIlroy, DeChambeau suffer nightmare starts at the British Open

Rory McIlroy 's bid to end a 10-year major drought was blown off course with a seven opar opening round of the 152nd British Open as Bryson DeChambeau shot five over at Royal Troon.

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McIlroy was aiming to get over his heartbreak at the US Open last month, where he missed two short putts to blow the lead as DeChambeau claimed his second major by one shot.

In blustery and wet conditions on Thursday, the Northern Irishman's round, and likely his championship, unravelled at the postage stamp 120-yard eighth.

McIlroy was unfortunate as his near-perfect tee shot slipped off the green into a bunker, which he took two attempts to get out of, to post a double bogey five.

Another double bogey followed at the 11th, while he also dropped shots at the 10th, 15th and 18th.

"All I need to focus on is tomorrow and try to make the cut," said McIlroy.

"I need to go out there and play better and try to shoot something under par and at least be here for the weekend, if not try to put myself up the leaderboard a bit more and feel like I have half a chance."

DeChambeau had been the form player in the majors so far this year, despite his defection to the breakaway LIV Tour.

The American finished sixth at the Masters and runner-up in the USPGA Championship before claiming his second US Open.

However, his struggles with the windy conditions of links golf continued as he was six over par for his opening nine holes.

DeChambeau battled back on the back nine as an eagle on the 17th helped him to a 76.

"I'm just proud of the way I persevered today," said DeChambeau.

"I could have thrown in the towel after nine and could have been like, 'I'm going home'. But no, I've got a chance tomorrow. I'm excited for the challenge."

Two-time major champion Justin Thomas recovered from his own double bogey at the 12th to post the clubhouse lead on three under par.

"I played really solid, got it around. I felt like I had great control of the ball," said Thomas, who was 11-over in the first round of the British Open last year.

"A little bit of a hiccup in the beginning of the back nine but stayed patient and kept plugging (away)."

Former world No 1 Justin Rose is among a group of four to post a two under par 69.

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka made four consecutive birdies between the fourth and seventh to reach the turn at one under despite going out in the worst of the weather.

SCHEFFLER BEGINS QUEST

World No 4 Ludvig Aberg was another of the big names to falter in his first ever round at a British Open with a four-over round of 75.

The Swede's playing partner Jon Rahm is two over, while home favourite Bob McIntyre is in the running after a one-over 72 to back up his victory at last week's Scottish Open.

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler begins his quest for a first Claret Jug later after a stunning year on the other side of the Atlantic.

Scheffler has won six times in just 14 starts this year, including his second Masters in April, but has failed to add to his two majors since at the USPGA Championship and the US Open.