Rory McIlroy had a self-described “roller coaster” of a spherical at Royal Melbourne on the primary day of the Australian Open.
McIlroy, whose pre-tournament information convention included feedback that Royal Melbourne was not the most effective Sandbelt course within the metropolis, had a wild spherical of six bogeys and 5 birdies across the composite course and shot a one-over 72.
Was it a case of the famed Sandbelt course, which has hosted three Presidents Cups, biting again? The swirling winds – together with gusts of as much as 60kph (38 mph) – had been definitely an element.
“It was a roller coaster day,” McIlroy stated. “Every time I got a birdie or two, I got a bogey or two.
“It wasn’t horrible. I hit it in a few dangerous spots and had a few three-putts as effectively.
“I limited the damage but I hope the conditions are better tomorrow.”
McIlroy, the Race to Dubai winner, is making his first look on the Australian Open since 2015, and likewise received the event in 2013.
He began his spherical on the again 9 with a birdie on the tenth, adopted by two bogeys – and that was simply the beginning of his topsy-turvy spherical.
Rory McIlroy had not performed on the Australian Open since 2015 (AP Picture/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
His sixth bogey of the day got here on the 135-meter (148-yard) par-three seventh – his sixteenth – however no less than he was in good firm as his taking part in companions, Australians Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, additionally had fours.
The trio teed off at 7am, with 1000’s of followers following them across the course. Scott and Lee every shot two-under 69s.
“It was amazing, I couldn’t believe how many people were there,” McIlroy stated of his early-morning entourage.
“There are events in golf that mean a little bit more. I think people in Australia take so much pride in this event.”
Scott reiterated an analogous feeling, saying: “Playing with Rory and Min, and fighting to get to the 10th tee this morning with the crowds was good fun,” Scott stated.
“But the course held up well, even in some of the most challenging wind I’ve probably ever played out here.
“Testomony to the course and it is nice for the event.”
Adam Scott of Australia and Min Woo Lee shot 69 (AP Picture/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Australia’s Cameron Smith, making an attempt to keep away from lacking his eighth consecutive lower, bogeyed two of his remaining three holes for a one-under 70.
“I feel like I did pretty good today, made all the putts I was supposed to make and I probably left a couple out there, but it is what it is,” Smith stated.
Elvis Smylie, the left-handed Australian who received final yr’s Australian PGA event, was the early clubhouse chief with a 65.
Taking part in on the par-four first – his tenth – Smylie’s wayward shot over the inexperienced hit a spectator earlier than rolling again into place for him to make birdie.
Elvis Smylie hit a spectator’s foot on his method to making a birdie (AP Picture/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
“The wind was whipping off the left and I just kind of didn’t cut it up enough and I think it hit his foot,” stated Smylie.
“I don’t think it hit him hard fortunately, and then it ricocheted to about five foot and I was able to roll that in.
“So when issues like that occur, you simply know that the golf gods are in your aspect for the day.”
The winner of the Australian Open, which is the second event on the European tour’s new schedule of tournaments for 2026, receives a Masters exemption next year, while the top three finishers not already exempt will qualify for the British Open in 2026 at Royal Birkdale.
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