British Open 2010 Update, McIlroy 63, Daly, Coltart 66, Woods 67

The relentless winds and frigid rain had abandoned the Old Course on the North Sea in St. Andrews, Scotland today, allowing for the conditions on the course to no longer get in the way of the efforts of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, John Daly, and Andrew Coltart. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy led the way with a nearly flawless, 9-under-par 63 that showed his talent and flair on the course. The 63 tied the record for lowest round in a major championship and put the 21-year-old McIlroy in position to be a major contender for the first time in his promising career. "It was awesome, especially because I was thinking that today was going to be like it was yesterday," said Fairfax native Steve Marino, who went off in the first group of the day -- a 6:30 a.m. tee time -- and shot a bogey-free 69. "That's what everybody kept saying. I woke up this morning and I looked outside, and there was no wind, and I couldn't believe it. Came out here, I was actually kind of sweating on the driving range this morning." John Daly, the 1995 Open champion on this very course, which also happens to be his favorite in the world, shot a one bogey 66 and kept his modesty in front of his adoring crowd, tying him with Andrew Coltart. "For me, it's just a golf course that not only brings great memories, but it's a memory before you've ever played it because of all the great players that have won and played it," Daly said. "It's a special place. It's, to me, my favorite course all over the world that I've ever played. When you've got that going for you, you don't feel disappointed when you don't' play so well, but you feel even better when you do play well." Tiger Woods also portrayed an intriguing story. Having mastered this very course in 2000 and in 2005, he accomplished two of his most convincing victories in major championships, and shot one bogey with his newest putter, the first change he's had since 1999. Woods still felt comfortable with this round and his new putter, saying that "It felt awkward, because there was absolutely no wind whatsoever." Woods went on to say, "And you never play a links golf course with no wind." Woods shot a 67, leading a group that included 2009 U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover. "You're never going to get St. Andrews to play easier," McIlroy said.