The defying of logic was everywhere. From Jackson Suber – an American in only his fifth day in Europe, playing links for the very first time – stealing into the first-round lead at the 154th Open on scorched turf, to those who should know better, Justin Rose among them, failing miserably to get their heads around the questions being asked.Even on a day with only the barest of winds to offer the course protection, the diverse scorecards – ranging from Suber’s 65 to the 80 proffered by Pádraig Harrington, who had a thoroughly horrid time of it on a links which in 2008 gave him back-to-back Claret Jugs – only served to underscored the magical appeal of this most original form of golf.Rory McIlroy cut one of the most frustrated figures of all, mostly with putter in hand but also with some errant iron approach shots, as the Northern Irishman’s opening round – blighted by a series of missed short putts from inside five feet – saw him signing for two-over 72. It was, however, embellished by a brilliant closing birdie on the 18th that brought some hope to his pursuit.With rounds stretching to five-and-a-half hours as the sun started its downward trajectory, McIlroy and company in the latter part of the draw contended with putting surfaces that played games with their minds. Shane Lowry’s four-putt on the par-4 15th highlighting everyone’s plight, the Offalyman signing for a one-under 69 to head the seven-strong Irish challenge.McIlroy’s round lacked rhyme or reason. His brilliant closing birdie – where he hit a 7-iron approach from 197 yards to four feet – being the fourth of a round that also featured six bogeys, including dropping shots at both of the par-5s on the homeward journey. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland chips out of a bunker on the 17th during day one of The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport.