TROON, Scotland (AP) -- Rory McIlroy was never more thrilled to be playing the British Open.
Thursday was his first round since he won the claret jug at Royal Liverpool two years ago because he had to sit out St. Andrews with an ankle injury. And finally, he was able to talk about his birdies - all five of them - instead of jabs at Olympic golf that caused such a stir earlier in the week.
''It's nice that the tournament started,'' McIlroy said after opening with a 2-under 69. ''I think I said all I needed to say on that matter and hopefully I can go out tomorrow and play similar to the way I did today and get myself right into contention for another claret jug.