‘Frustrated’ Rory McIlroy sets himself apart from the rest

Rory McIlroy came to Portstewart determined to separate himself from the rest of the world’s top stars.

He certainly achieved some separation in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open but it wasn’t the kind he had in mind as he took 33 putts, hitting just six fairways in a level-par 72 that leaves him eight shots behind the unheralded leaders, 32-year old American Daniel Im and 30-year old Frenchman Benjamin Herbert.

It was doubly frustrating for the tournament host to play alongside Jon Rahm and Hideki Matsuyama and watch the rampant Basque take 26 putts in a seven-under 65 and the Japanese world No2 finish with his sixth birdie of the day for a solid 67.