If you are just joining us on the live text, Rory McIlroy built his lead during a prolific spell of scoring across the course this morning. Conditions are a little more blustery now and Adam Scott or Bubba Watson look most likely if anyone is to step up as an alternative overnight leader.

Selected others: -3: Adam Scott (Aus) Rickie Fowler (US), Tiger Woods (US); -2: Louis Oosthuizen (SA), Bubba Watson (US), Zac Johnson (US); -1: Stewart Cink (US), Hunter Mahan (US), Justin Rose (Eng), Lee Westwood (Eng); Par: David Howell (Eng), Darren Clarke (NI), Henrik Stenson (Swe), Phil Mickelson (US); +1: Ian Poulter (Eng), Martin Kaymer (Ger); +2: Paul Casey (Eng); +4 Sandy Lyle (Sco)

Zach Johnson always looks as if he is using a putter which is too small for him. It doesn't seem to matter, he stands motionless as a long effort drops for birdie on eight. The American - Masters champion in 2007 - is two under, four off the lead.

BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, PA

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes on BBC Radio 5 live: "I am playing much better golf than I have for a long time. I think everyone knows why that is! It's been a long time since I've had any time off and I am enjoying it.

"I think Rory McIlroy is the one to watch. He had a great reception on the 18th, he's had a great round and I'm hoping he can go on and win it."

Right, this is the last time we say how bad Ernie Els has been, honest. If you think we are being cruel, click on the highlights tab at the top of this page and you can watch a video of his horrific start to the 143rd Open Championship.

Image source, AP

I'm not sure what Anirban Lahiri's wife will be thinking of the Indian's three-over par round of 75.

The current Asian Tour number one cut short his honeymoon in Madagascar to play in the Open this week but will be disappointed with his performance after two bogeys in the last four holes saw him drop down the leaderboard.

Yes for Adam Scott. Remember I said he had no chance of making eagle from a million miles away? Well he did. That broom-handle putter guides the ball home from around 50 feet. He's cool, relaxed and three under after five holes. Closing in on you Rory.

A test coming up for Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els on the seventh hole. A par four, it's the toughest drag on the course, averaging 4.4 strokes. Nasty.

Nick Dougherty
European Tour player on BBC Radio 5 live

"Lee Westwood is going to be really happy with his start. Lee is playing very aggressively. He is getting a lot of support and he is enjoying a very good start."

Lee Westwood is one under through four.

Adam Scott is in the thin rough on five - a reachable par five - and he nails a six iron onto the green. Eagle looks unlikely as he's in a different postcode to the pin, but two putts and it would be back to back birdies and two under. A chance.

American Brooks Koepka and Italy's Matteo Manassero have made the most birdies so far today with both players hitting seven on their way to four under and five under respectively. Tiger Woods and KJ Choi have the next best birdie tally with six.

Frank Nobilo
Former European Tour golfer on BBC TV

"That was like stealing a shot for Bubba Watson after his tee shot. Everything is hard for the 'Big Easy' at the moment."

Bubba Watson makes a birdie on the sixth after his tee shot found the rough, while Ernie Els drops another shot to slip to six under.

I can assure you we are not picking on Ernie Els. He really has been that bad. The 2012 champion, normally so poised, is all over the place. It's like watching your slightly hungover mate play way too early on a Sunday morning.

This time, 'The Big Easy' makes bogey on the par-three sixth. He paid for a wayward tee shot. Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson are in for pars.

11th (Punch bowl)

Par four, 391 yards

Image source, Getty Images

The best approach is down the left but, hit too far that way, brambles and deep rough are waiting. The back bunker has been removed but the front traps eat into the putting surface.

2006 difficulty rating: 10

That's close from Westwood. A stunner of a shot from the rough on four and it rolls the length of the green to miss the cup by two inches. Nearly an eagle from nowhere but now a great birdie chance.

Westy is level par so a chance for red numbers. Got to love those red numbers.

Alan Freeburn:, external Out of work early, dilemma time..cricket or golf? Cricket or golf? May need to bring the other TV in from the bedroom.

Stay with the golf Alan. England will probably blow the cricket.

Tweet us your thoughts on day one to #bbcgolf or text 81111.

Image source, Getty Images

Five-time Open winner Tom Watson speaking to BBC Sport: "The wind wasn't blowing, there were some tough flag positions but all in all the course is there for the taking. With tomorrow's weather forecast it could be different.

"I was just trying to keep the ball in the fairway. I only had six fairways in regulation so it was a monumental struggle and a good round from that standpoint.

"I had better start driving the ball better because if it gets windy and I keep driving the ball like I am it will be way off line."

Watson shot a one-over-par-round of 73.

Maybe Rory McIlroy's overnight lead will be challenged. American Boo Weekley drops home a very long putt on nine. He saunters away with a raise of his hand to the galleries. It's birdie for the big man and three under.

A downhill putt for birdie is inches short for Ernie Els who remains plus five. Also forming part of an illustrious playing group are Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson. Mickelson is also short with his birdie putt and Watson pushes his eagle effort past but drops in the return.

Back-to-back birdies for Bubba. He is two under? His crash-bang-wallop style can't win on a links course surely?

And the romance ends for the day for John Singleton. The local player, a factory worker, held his own at Royal Liverpool with eight straight birdies on the front nine but top-end golf tests your mental strength and he has slipped to six over by day's end.

The Liverpudlian waves his cap to the galleries who have loved his story and plucky performance.