Rory McIlroy’s frustration was evident at Royal Troon today, where he finished with a disappointing seven-over 78, complicating his bid for a second Open title. The challenging conditions, marked by rain and wind, proved daunting from the start, leaving McIlroy trailing Justin Thomas by a significant margin. Thomas, a two-time major champion, seized the lead with a three-under score, highlighted by a remarkable 25-foot putt on the final hole.

McIlroy’s troubles began after a promising start, faltering notably on Troon’s notorious holes. His tee shot on the par-three eighth landed in a bunker, leading to a costly five. A subsequent misstep on the par-four 11th, known as ‘Railway’, resulted in another setback as he struggled to navigate the course’s toughest challenges.

Despite his efforts to regain momentum with a series of pars, McIlroy’s frustrations peaked with critical errors on the 15th and final holes, each resulting in bogeys. These setbacks mirrored his recent challenges, including a near-miss at the US Open, where late-round stumbles cost him the title.

In contrast, Justin Thomas displayed resilience throughout his round, capitalizing on early opportunities with a string of birdies. Despite setbacks on the back nine, Thomas credited his patience and strategic approach for finishing strong with a pair of birdies to secure his leading position.

As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to contenders like Thomas and the challenges posed by Troon’s unpredictable weather conditions. Stay updated with live coverage and analysis as the Open unfolds.

For more details and live updates on the Open’s first round, visit BBC Sport for comprehensive coverage.