Watch Rory McIlroy's OUTRAGEOUS (!) par save at The Open: "He's doing pilates"

Rory McIlroy found himself five strokes off the lead after the first round of The Open Championship.

McIlroy, 34, carded an opening round of level par 71 at Royal Liverpool on Thursday, which included three birdies and three bogeys

• Open Championship 2023 live leaderboard

South African amateur Christo Lamprecht and England's Tommy Fleetwood were the early pace setters, both posting 5-under par 66s at Hoylake. 

The defending champion, Cameron Smith, was six back after his 72, but the Australian was over par through 18 holes at St. Andrews last July. 

McIlroy's good work threatened to unravel after he found the greenside bunker at the 18th hole. 

Faced with a tricky lie, the Northern Irishman tried to play out sideways but his TP5x remained in the bunker after an almighty swipe. 

Threatened with the prospect of racking up a big score, McIlroy composed himself and eventually made a sensational up and down to save par. 

There was thunderous applause as the golf ball rolled into the centre of the cup. McIlroy showed his emotions immediately after. 

Watch:

Unbelievable recovery for par from McIlroy. pic.twitter.com/InwHPXUBbL

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 20, 2023

He told the media:

McIlroy added that having been 2-over after 12 holes he was pleased to bring his score back to even par.

He continued:

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Could this be a pivotal moment?



The challenge and drama of links golf. Encapsulated by @McIlroyRory. pic.twitter.com/KqZHhIm9ZP

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2023

McIlroy was playing alongside Jon Rahm and former World No. 1 Justin Rose, who both posted rounds of 74. 

Patrick Cantlay, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama posted rounds of 70. 

The surprise of the day came in the form of Justin Thomas, who carded a dismal opening round of 82. 

Thomas sits T-144th in the 156-man field. 

Open Championship 2023 info:

• The Open Championship field
• The Open Championship tee times
• The Open Championship odds
• LIV Golf players in the field
• Streaming information
• How to watch
• Schedule
• Prize money information
• Exemption categories
• Players who are exempt but not competing

More GolfMagic articles from the 2023 Open Championship

• The coolest thing about The Open, according to Rory
• Why Tiger Woods isn't playing The Open
• Spieth channels inner child
• Stenson launched impassioned LIV Golf defence
• Cam Smith fires warning shot to Rory
• Cam Smith defends Greg Norman
• McIlroy snubs media duties (again!)
• Feature: Oliver Wilson interview
• Koepka fires back over Rory question
• Paige Spiranac weighs in on enduring debate
• Players briefed about Just Stop Oil
• Jon Rahm backs PGA Tour boss
• Fitzy downplays his Open chances
• R&A boss on Saudi investment for The Open
• Hideki caught 'twerking' on the range
• Senior player 'targeted' by activist
• McIlroy finally speaks to the media!
• R&A announces new tournament
• You won't miss Viktor Hovland this week
• Tiger arrives at The Open
• Pat Reed blasts merger
• Who is Christo Lamprecht?
• Par-3 17th claims first victim!
• Matt Jordan's other-worldly bunker shot

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