Rory McIlroy off the pace at The Open

Rory McIlroy's poor form during 2013 continued during his opening round at The Open as he began his campaign with an eight-over-par 79.

The world number two has struggled throughout the first half of the year, and two bogeys in his opening five holes at Muirfield did little to build his confidence.

He responded with a birdie at the seventh, but the Northern Irishman dropped four shots in three holes at the turn.

Once again, he replied with a birdie, but a double bogey at the 15th was followed by another dropped shot at the 17th.

The Northern Irishman's day went from bad to worse with another bogey on the last as he ended day one with a score of 79.