Defending champion Rory McIlroy sits four shots behind leader Joaquin Niemann following a blustery opening day at the Irish Open in Doonbeg. McIlroy carded a one-under-par 69 despite the challenging conditions, which included high winds and sporadic showers at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in County Clare.
The world number two recorded birdies at the second and fourth holes, double-bogeyed the 13th after struggling in a bunker, but then recovered a shot at the 15th. McIlroy is aiming to defend the title he won last year at the K Club and secure his third Irish Open crown, having also triumphed in 2016.
Chilean Niemann leads the field at five-under-par, helped by a run of four consecutive birdies between the 14th and 17th. The LIV golfer made six birdies in total and dropped only one shot, giving him a two-shot lead over a group of five players, including Ireland's Shane Lowry and South Africa's Shaun Norris, who both completed their rounds. Italian Renato Panatore, Austria's Maximilian Steinlechner, and Poland's Adrian Meronk are also on three under but are among several players who will finish their opening rounds on Friday morning due to fading light.
Play was slow throughout the day, with the inclement weather particularly affecting later starters. Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin, Scot Conor Syme, and Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed are among those at two-under-par. Two-time Irish Open champion Jon Rahm finished with a level-par 70.