Sandy Lyle to begin Open Championship challenge

Shropshire's Sandy Lyle will draw on happy memories when he begins his Open Championship challenge at Sandwich tomorrow.

Shrewsbury-born Lyle will tee off at 12.26pm alongside American Anthony Kim and Rory Sabbatini from South Africa.

And he will do so on the same course that he lifted the Claret Jug in 1985, one of the 53-year-old's two Major successes.

Meanwhile, all the pre-tournament attention was today focusing on Rory McIlroy who bids for his second successive Major title.

It will be McIlory's first competitive outing since he won the US Open by eight shots three weeks ago, and the Northern Irishman insists he is excited at the challenge ahead.

"After what happened at the US Open, expectations will be high and I put high expectations on myself," said McIlroy.

"It's been three weeks and I feel as if I'm pretty much ready to go."

McIlory is confident his quest will not be undermined by him not playing a tournament since his stunning US Open triumph.

"I took three weeks off before the Masters and led by four going into the final day," said the 22-year-old.

"Having the time off means I've been able to play a lot of links golf and familiarise myself with links conditions.

"I played at Royal County Down on Saturday and then on Monday evening with my Dad. It was nice to do that."