The 143rd Open Championship began today at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (or Hoylake; according to Scott Van Pelt, the locals deem both names acceptable). For those who have never watched the Open Championship before, it’s fascinating to see how the world’s top golfers cope with the conditions and courses on the other side of the Atlantic. Here are some of the top stories from golf’s third major of the year.

McIlroy Magic

Rory McIlroy is the 18-hole leader after a bogey-free round of 66, seeking a first Open Championship and a third career major. He appeared confident throughout his day, giving off the same aura that helped him win the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2012 PGA. McIlroy still has 54 holes to go, but could become only the second Open champion from Great Britain since the turn of the millennium.

Tiger Confident

Tiger Woods will always remember Royal Liverpool; it’s where he won his first major following his father’s death in 2006. But the seventh-ranked player in the world was delighted with his first round of 69, especially after making bogey on the first two holes. Still searching for a first major championship since the 2008 U.S. Open, is this a weekend where Woods edges closer to Jack Nicklaus and the all-time majors record?

Former Champions Struggle

Although some past winners like Woods, Louis Oosthuizen, and Stewart Cink would be pleased with their opening rounds, Thursday was a day to forget for other champions. Twelve Open champions finished their rounds over par, including 2013 winner Phil Mickelson. With the cut coming tomorrow, how many will be around for the weekend? At 1-over, David Duval and Tom Watson are still in good shape, as are Mickelson, Justin Leonard, Ben Curtis, and Padraig Harrington (all at +2). But 1985 champion Sandy Lyle had two double bogeys and one triple, while two-time winner Ernie Els shot 79, and is 13 strokes behind McIlroy.

How much of the Open Championship do you plan to watch this weekend? Will McIlroy, Woods, or someone else win the title in 2014? Leave a comment below!