McIlroy gets last chance to recover from another major letdown as British Open starts at Troon

TROON, Scotland (AP) — The first step toward recovery for Rory McIlroy starts with the last major of the year.

McIlroy was among early starters Thursday as the British Open began at Royal Troon on a cool, cloudy morning along the Irish Sea.

The silver claret jug, which Brian Harman had to return at the start of the week as the defending champion, was on the first tee as Justin Leonard hit the opening tee shot into a stiff breeze. Leonard won the Open at Royal Troon in 1997.

McIlroy...