McIlroy: the course is not as easy as people are saying

RORY McILROY knew for sure it was going to be a different kind of day when he arrived on the first tee shortly before 8am yesterday.

Instead of the usual handful of fans that usually congregate at that time, the place was packed with highly excited fans who couldn’t wait to see McIlroy and his partners Darren Clarke and Rhys Davies click into action.

“It was fantastic,” he enthused. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many on the first hole at that time. The weather helped to bring them out but they really enjoy their golf down here.”