Rory McIlroy shot a superb first-round 66 at the Open yesterday - and then insisted he will try not to think about ending his eight-year Major drought.
The Ulsterman sits just two shots off the clubhouse lead held by American Cameron Young.
And his six-under par score is his best opening round in this Major since 2014 - when he went on to win at Royal Liverpool after leading after every day.
The world No.2 has not added to his tally of four Major titles since his US PGA triumph the following month.
But the Masters runner-up has been in fine form recently with top-20 finishes in his last seven starts, including victory at the RBC Canadian Open.
Asked when he will start to think about winning his fifth Major, McIlroy said: “I just have to go out and play the same golf that I've played today, the same golf that I've played over the last few weeks.
"I've been playing well. I've been swinging the club well. And I think it's better if I don't think about it that much and I just go out and play golf and try to shoot some good scores on one of my favourite golf courses in the world.”
In his only previous Open at St Andrews, McIlroy opened with a course record 63 in 2010 and then shot an 80.
“I need to go out tomorrow and back up what I just did today,” said the world No.2. “I think that's important to do. But again, this golf course isn't going to change that much, I don't think, between today and tomorrow in terms of conditions.
"I've seen the golf course now in tournament play and tournament conditions and know what to expect. Tomorrow's an important run, just to go out and back up what I've done today.”
Over the previous six years, the Ulsterman had an aggregate score of +34 in the opening round of Majors, including his 79 at Royal Portrush. This season he is 12-under par for the four Majors.
“I think it's golf being golf,” he said. “And I think I've played with a little more freedom because I can, because I'm in more control of my swing and my game. And I think it sort of goes hand in hand. I have confidence and I can go out and play free and not be maybe as timid and tight starting off.
"And as I said, three majors in a row now where I feel like that, which is a really nice feeling considering how I have felt previously at times. So it's golf being golf in a way, but at the same time I'm in a better place with my game to go out there and give a better account of myself.
“Everything feels very settled. No real issues with my game. Everything feels like it's in good shape. Everything feels just sort of nice and quiet, which is a nice way to be. And yeah, thinking well.”
