Open Championship Round 1 grades

FARRELL EVANS via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>

July 17, 2014, 5:35 PM ET

18 min read

— -- With a 6-under 66 on Thursday, Rory McIlroy was the class act of the top ranked players on my grading board in the opening round of the Open Championship at Hoylake.

Yet Tiger Woods and Adam Scott also earned good marks. Phil Mickelson played better than his grade or score. Sergio Garcia got off to a good start with a 4-under 68 as he tries to finally gain his first major championship.

Henrik Stenson did himself no good on his quest to win a major by angrily snapping one of his wedge shafts on Thursday, earning a D, the worst grade on my board.

Adam Scott World Ranking: No. 1 | Scores: 68

The No.1 player in the world rankings had a very solid 4-under 68 to finish his first round two shots behind the leader, Rory McIlroy, who had a 66 on Thursday. Scott's round was aided by an eagle at the par-5 fifth hole. The 34-year-old Australian will be tough to beat this week with his superb driving, his touch with the long putter and his experience in this tournament.

Henrik Stenson World Ranking: No. 2 | Scores: 72

Stenson's poor grade is mostly a reflection of the lack of composure and perspective he showed at the 17th hole on Thursday, when he snapped the shaft of his wedge over his knee after a poor shot from the high fescue. He bogeyed that hole and birdied the par-5 18th for an even-par 72. As a seasoned veteran and the winner of both the Race to Dubai and the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2013, he should show more patience and professionalism.

Justin Rose World Ranking: No. 3 | Scores: 72

Bubba Watson World Ranking: No. 4 | Scores: 76

After playing his first 10 holes 1-under, the two-time Masters champion went 5-over on his next three holes, including a triple-bogey 7 at the par-4 11th. He finished with a 4-over 76.

Matt Kuchar World Ranking: No. 5 | Scores: 73

Jason Day World Ranking: No. 6 | Scores: 73

Fighting wrist pain on Thursday, the 26-year-old Australian shot 1-over 73 in his first round at Hoylake. Hopefully, he can get the proper treatment so that he can play pain-free for the remainder of the tournament. Otherwise, it will be difficult for him to be much of a factor over the weekend.

Tiger Woods World Ranking: No. 7 | Scores: 69