Koepka in contention

SPORTS Brooks on a roll as he aims to keep brilliant run going

WOR L D No 1 Brooks Koepk a c r u i sed i nto content ion for a fi fth Major t itle in h is last 10 starts at the 148th Open at Royal Portrush.

However, at the venue where he announced himself as a star of the future with a course record of 61 aged 16, Rory McIlroy began with an eight and finished with a seven in a demoralising opening 79.

At eight over par, McIlroy was 13 shots off the pace set by JB Holmes, whose 66 gave him a one-shot lead over Shane Lowry, with Koepka part of a 13-strong group which included Oban’s Robert MacIntyre and the English trio of Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood.

McIlroy was not the only big name to struggle, Masters champ Tiger Woods signing for a 78 to card his highest opening round in 21 Open appearances.

Koepka finished second in the Masters in April, successfully defended his US PGA title the following month and he was runner-up to Gary Woodland in the US Open at Pebble Beach in June.

No player in the modern era has placed in the top two in all four Majors in a calendar year but the 29-year-old made the most of the local knowledge of his caddie Ricky Elliott, who hails from Portrush, as he carded four birdies and one bogey in his 68.

And he started his second round today very well, gaining another shot to be four under for the tournament after three holes. However, he dropped a shot at the next hole.

“Obviously, Ricky knows this golf course like the back of his hand,” Koepka said.

“It’s fun. It’s easy when he’s just standing on the tee telling you to hit it in this spot and I just listen to him. I don’t have to think much.”

Tommy Fleetwood is pleased after holing this putt today.

Brooks Koepka is a picture of concentration as he line up this putt.