British Open 2013: What to Expect from Golf's Biggest Superstars on Day 1

The excitement surrounding the 2013 British Open has been through the roof, but now that the event has started, it’s time to break down how each of golf’s biggest superstars will handle Day 1 at Muirfield Golf Links in Gullane, Scotland.

All of the following names will have hardcore and casual golf fans alike focused on their play this week, and this is how each will fare at the Par 71 course on Day 1 of the British Open.

2013 Open Championship Leaderboard

Tiger Woods Will Struggle

There is no question that Tiger Woods has looked to gain back some of his elite form this season after winning four events thus far, but he has not been able to translate that tournament success to the majors.

Woods shot an abysmal 13-over par at Merion Golf Club in the U.S. Open, and with that course having a similar makeup as the courses found in Europe, the odds are firmly stacked against the three-time British Open champion.

The hope was that Woods would use a tournament to practice before the next major, but a nagging elbow injury that the veteran claims is better, per Steve DiMeglio of USA Today, has kept him from playing since June’s U.S. Open.

That down time is a bad omen for Woods.

Predicted Final Score: Woods will shoot a four-over 75.

Phil Mickelson Will Take the Early Lead

While Phil Mickelson has never won a British Open in his career, the stage has been set in 2013 for the left-handed American to stun the world and bring home the Claret Jug.

Mickelson is coming off a huge second-place finish in the U.S. Open at Merion and will look to take the lessons learned on that course and translate them to success on the very similar course at Muirfield.

While Muirfield is longer, the rough and unforgiving nature is similar.

Add in the fact that Lefty won the Scottish Open with an impressive 17-under par last week, and the fact that he has already played in similar conditions and was victorious signals a great start to what could be a special tournament.

Predicted Final Score: Mickelson will shoot a five-under 66.

Rory McIlroy Will Quiet the Critics

Despite many media personalities and former champions criticizing Rory McIlroy for his struggles this season—names like Nick Faldo have called out the Irish star’s work ethic, per Paul Newberry via US News—the young golfer has kept his cool.

On the first day of the 2013 British Open, McIlroy will shut his critics up by hitting the ball great and taking the tournament as seriously as he always does. With conditions that suit his style as a European player, look for the 24-year-old to start on the right track.

While McIlroy won’t take the overall lead after the first day, as long as he limits his mistakes and plays smart golf using his patience and accuracy, there is no doubt that he will be in a position to make the cut and become a factor over the weekend.

Predicted Final Score: McIlroy will shoot a three-under 68.

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