Scheffler makes bright start

Sadom 1 behind as British Open begins

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World No.1 Scottie Scheffler made a fine start to the British Open to sit three-under-par at a rain-swept Royal Portrush on Thursday as home favourite Rory McIlroy was roared on during a rollercoaster one-under-par round.

Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, China's Li Haotong, Dane Jacob Skov Olesen, South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout and American Harris English hold the clubhouse lead at four-under-par 67.

Scheffler, though, is well-placed to launch his challenge for a fourth major and a first Claret Jug despite a series of wayward tee shots.

The American hit just three fairways but still produced one of the best rounds of the day thanks to his brilliant approach play.

"When it's raining sideways, it's actually, believe it or not, not that easy to get the ball in the fairway. Thank you guys all for pointing that out," he told reporters.