SANDWICH, England — The world was expected of Rory McIlroy after his dominant win at the U.S. Open last month and, through yesterday’s first round of the British Open, you could argue that he didn’t deliver.

McIlroy’s first competitive round since his U.S. Open win wasn’t exactly a success, but it was hardly a failure.

McIlroy, who started the day with bogeys on two of the first three holes, shot a 1-over par 71 and stands six shots off the lead entering today’s second round with a lot of golf to play.

“On a day like this I know better than most people you can shoot a high number and put yourself out of the golf tournament,” said McIlroy, who shot 80 in the second round of the Open last year at St. Andrews.

“So it was nice to shoot a decent score. It was definitely a round that, after the start, could have gotten away from me. It was nice to hang on to it. I feel like if you keep it around level par this week you’re going to have a good chance.”

McIlroy, who had huge, Tiger Woods-like crowds following him, insisted he’s not affected by the pressure of heightened expectations.

“It’s a nice pressure to have,” he said. “I’m not complaining. I put myself in this position and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I want to be under pressure to win tournaments.”

One of McIlroy’s playing partners was fellow 22-year-old Rickie Fowler, who shot even par. Fowler, who once beat McIlroy in the Walker Cup in Northern Ireland, noticed the amped-up crowds following his friend.

“It has a feeling like he’s a hero over here now,” Fowler said. “Obviously, he’s made a big impact with impressive playing recently and the U.S. Open win.”