Irish Open: Rory McIlroy makes steady progress at Royal County Down after par-saving shot

A picture of Rory McIlroy as he lines up a putt on the 8th green
-Credit: (Image: INPHO/Ben Brady)


Rory McIlroy showed his class once more with a superb shot to save par on the 11th hole in the first round of the Irish Open at Royal County Down on Thursday.

The Northern Irishman is one of the favourites to land the trophy on home soil this week and he got off to a great start with a birdie at the first much to the delight of the fans watching on. He progressed steadily until he ran into a spot of bother at the 11th.

His drive ended up in some marram grass but McIlroy before he found the sand with his second. But four-time major winner produced an excellent shot from the sand to leave himself with an simple putt for par.

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McIlroy is currently -2 through 12 with his playing partner Tom McKibbin on +2. Shane Lowry also finds himself +2 with five to play. Englishman Todd Clements currently leads the way on -5 after 10 holes.

Former champion Soren Kjeldsen, who won the tournament the last time it was played at Royal County Down, was the early starter and showed up well. The 49-year-old, who is preparing for life on the seniors tour next year, carded an opening two-under-par 69 in testing conditions as he looks to sign off in style.

“It was a great day, I played really well,” Kjeldsen said. “I hit the ball really good, wasn’t really in any trouble. I’ve been struggling on the greens and still felt incredibly uncomfortable but managed to putt okay.

“This type of golf definitely gives me a better chance. Whether I can be competitive for four days, time will tell, but today was a good day."

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