The 2014 British Open, the third major of the year, is underway and Day One is nearly complete.

Some of the usual names are atop the leaderboard, while others have disappointed after their first round. Golf is a marathon not a sprint. That's why they always say "you can't win it on the first day, but you can lose it."

The first day at Royal Liverpool has given us five huge headlines:

1. Rory McIlroy Out Ahead

Mcllroy is a streaky golfer. Inconsistent, but very good. When he's on, he's one of the best in the world. And he was on Thursday.

A two-time major champion having won the 2011 US Open and the 2011 PGA Championship, he didn't even make the cut last year at the British Open. So far after the first round, Mcllroy is in first place, having shot six under without shooting a single bogey. If he keeps this up, he'll win his third major championship for sure.

2. Tiger Woods Returns, Very Well

Woods is undoubtedly the most popular golfer in the world. The 14-time major champion is making his debut after back surgery that kept him out of the Masters and the US Open. So how would Woods play?

Like he never left.

Woods began terrible, shooting a bogey on his first holes, but recovered brilliantly. Woods would go on to birdie six more holes with just one more bogey, at Hole 14, to finish three under par.

Woods hasn't won a single major since 2008, and this could be his best chance at ending that drought.

3. Italians Showing They Belong

Italy is known for many things. Food, film making, history, and soccer are usually at the forefront. Never before has an Italian born golfer won a major tournament, but that may change after Sunday.

Only three Italian born golfers entered this year's British Open -- Matteo Manassero, Edoardo Molinari, and Francesco Molinari. Incredibly, all three shot at least four under and are ranked in the top three after the first day.

The FIFA World Cup was a disappointment for Italy, so maybe they can make it up at the British Open.

4. Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson Struggle

Watson and Mickelson have won a combined seven majors, but Round One of the British Open was a rough start for both. Mickelson is the defending champion, but he shot two over par. Watson, on the other hand, was twice as bad, shooting four over par, which included a triple bogey. He is tied with John Daly for 125th overall in the standings.

There's still three days remaining, but with the weather very nice on Day One, these two golfers had a disappointing day.

5. Jim Furyk Proves Age is Just a Number

Furyk hasn't won a major since the 2003 US Open, but he had a fantastic Day One at Liverpool. The 44-year-old shot four under par and is now tied for third place after the first day. He's even one shot ahead of Woods. Furyk concluded his day with just one bogey on a nearly mistake free day.

The oldest golfer to win the British Open was Tom Morris in 1867 at the age of 46.

For the official 2014 British Open leaderboard, click here

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