Royal Troon was at its ferocious best on Thursday, and several of the world’s best players struggled to handle the wet and windy conditions.
Rory McIlroy was the highest-profile player to fall foul of the conditions, carding a seven over-par 78 to seriously dent his bid for major number five.
The Northern Irishman will also face tougher conditions on Friday, with the wind expected to increase throughout the day.
2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau also underperformed, carding a five-over 76. Nick Faldo claimed the LIV Golf star got his tactics all wrong during his first 18.
Sky Sports pundits decide the cut line for the 2024 Open Championship
With more arduous conditions set to play a role on day two, Sky Sports pundits Richard Boxall, Laura Davies, and Andrew Coltart have predicted the cut line.
Boxall said: “I think it is [easier] than yesterday morning. Yesterday, 68 players were +2 or better at the end of play, which was quite low. It’s very nearly into the +3’s. I think probably five over cut will probably look like a favourite.”
Davies agreed: “I completely agree with you, although the wind today could be harder. It could drift to six, but I can’t see it going to four.”
Coltart also highlighted the highest cut at any of the 2024 major championships. “Plus six was the highest cut line this year, that was August for the Masters,” he said.
Rory McIlroy must improve if Sky Sports cut predictions ring true
If the Sky Sports commentary team are correct, McIlroy will have to go under par on Friday to stand a chance of making the cut.
Currently, at plus seven, the Northern Irishman will need to shoot at least three under to be relatively confident of making the cut.
The 35-year-old will have to deal with the wind far better than he did on Thursday. He appeared surprised by fairly typical Open Championship conditions.
Looking to control his ball flight and limit mistakes is an absolute must for the four-time major winner.
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