CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, July 19 - Teenage Briton Rory McIlroy surprised the golfing world on Thursday when he fired a three-under 68 to command a share of third place in the British Open first round.

There were shades of Justin Rose in 1998 as the 18-year-old from Northern Ireland produced a flawless card, the only one of the day, to finish three shots behind leader Sergio Garcia of Spain and one adrift of Ireland's Paul McGinley.

With his rivals trailing in his wake, McIlroy is clear favourite to win this week's silver medal for the best amateur to make the cut.

McIlroy, who has a rare plus-six (six strokes better than scratch) handicap, also led world number one Tiger Woods (69) and that pleased the youngster as much as anything.

"It's a pretty special feeling finishing one better than Tiger and also out-shooting my playing partners," McIlroy told a news conference.

"I was just trying to learn as much as possible from (Spain's) Miguel Angel Jimenez, who's terrific, and (Swede) Henrik Stenson, who's won a world golf championship.

"Coming into the week I just wanted to try to make the cut to win the silver medal."

McIlroy was 11 shots better than his mentor Nick Faldo, who has helped fashion his career through the Faldo Series, and four ahead of another player who has encouraged him, fellow Northern Irishman Darren Clarke.

His round could have been at least two shots better, with McIlroy missing birdie putts of four and three feet on the 14th and 15th holes.

"I pushed both of them but to play the toughest Open course with no bogeys is pretty good," he said.

"I was very nervous for the first few holes but when I birdied the fifth it got me into my stride and then I just soaked up the atmosphere and enjoyed myself.

"Bogeys never really crossed my mind and I'm going out with that mindset tomorrow."

Englishman Rose's achievement of fourth place in the 1998 Open when he was 17 is a target now.

"Justin was phenomenal and I feel if he can do it at that age I'm sure I can as well," McIlroy added. "Hopefully I can be in Justin's position nine years on."