McIlroy Stumbled in Ireland, but His Game Shines: Ryder Cup in Sight

Rory McIlroy Finishes Round with Difficulties at the Irish Open

STRAFFAN, Ireland – Rory McIlroy had a complicated finish in the first round of the Irish Open, with two bogeys in the last three holes, finishing with a score of 71 strokes, one under par. The world number 2, who attracted the most spectators at The K Club, was looking to fine-tune his game a few weeks before the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where the Northern Irishman is expected to be a key player for Europe again. McIlroy expressed feeling optimistic about his performance, highlighting birdies on four of his first nine holes, starting on the 10th hole. He considered that he played “better than the scorecard reflects.” However, the finish took its toll, missing the green on holes 7 and 8, and failing to par.

The game feels pretty good. It’s just a matter of being more efficient with the score.

Rory McIlroy

In July, McIlroy competed in Northern Ireland during the Open at Royal Portrush. On this occasion, he finished five strokes behind the leader, Nacho Elvira, who completed a bogey-free round with a 66, including birdies on four of his last six holes. The Spaniard finished one stroke ahead of Bernd Wiesberger, Daniel Brown and Adrien Saddier. Shane Lowry, another member of the European Ryder Cup team, played in front of his home crowd, making birdies on three of his last six holes for a total of 69 strokes.