McIlroy dominates Day 1 at British Open

Tiger Woods played well at St. Andrews today ... and he still wasn't the biggest story from the opening day of the British Open.

That honor goes to Rory McIroy, a 21-year-old who has amassed nearly $7 million in earnings since turning pro in 2007. He shot a 63, which not only allowed him a 2-stroke lead over Louis Oosthuizen, it also tied the record for the lowest round ever fired at a major event. McIlroy never had a bogey or worse and finished with an eagle and seven birdies to finish at 9-under.

McIlroy was hardly the only golfer to have success today. John Daly, of all people, is one of 5 golfers tied for third place at 6-under. Woods is part of a large group at 5-under. It almost seemed that Phil Mickelson, who finished a stroke above par, was the only golfer in the field to struggle in the almost wind-free conditions ... though Jim Furyk, K.J. Choi and Justin Leonard all had far worse days.

There's obviously a ton of golf left to be played in Scotland, but McIlroy has to be bursting with confidence after owning what might be the most famous course in the world today. The only negative from his day was that Woods kept himself within shouting distance of the lead. If anything can make a young golfer's confidence start to crumble, it's Woods playing opposite you on Sunday.