McIlroy cards record-breaking 63

Rory McIlroy shot himself into the record books on a breathtaking opening day St Andrews.

The 21-year-old Ulsterman carded a 9-under-par 63 which not only tied the course record but was the lowest ever first round score in the Open’s 150-year history.

“It was a fantastic score, especially as I didn't get a flying start,” said McIlroy whose heroics leave him two shots clear of little-known South African Louis Oosthuizen.

“I was only one under through eight holes, then my eagle on nine really turned things around for me. I just got going from there and six birdies later, it turned out to be a very pleasant round of golf!"

McIlroy was almost caught by Oosthuizen whose seven-under 65 puts him a shot ahead of five players, including 1995 St Andrews champion John Daly.

Tiger Woods, who has won the Open on the two occasions it has been back at the Old Course since Daly’s success, is a shot further back but the day belonged to the Irishman, who has incredibly broken 70 in all nine rounds he has played at St Andrews.

"When you're playing as well as I was, you're just trying to go lower and lower,” he added. “I hope it stays that way for the next 54 holes.”