Rory McIlroy says he is hopeful “benign” conditions can help him get his Open Championship challenge back on track after a difficult start at Royal Birkdale. Multiple reports state that after the first round, McIlroy is in a poor position relative to the leaders, describing him as two over par and seven shots off the pace. The outlets agree that his performance puts him well behind the field early in the tournament, prompting his focus on how weather and course conditions could change over the coming rounds. While the reports do not provide details of specific shots or causes for his first-round score, they consistently frame the situation as an early setback followed by a need to respond as the event progresses. McIlroy, a recent Masters champion, is therefore looking to take advantage of conditions he considers more favorable, with the aim of narrowing the gap and improving his standing at the Open.