McIlroy in angry Twitter exchange with critic Townsend

Rory McIlroy's performance at the Irish Open today has been criticised by commentator and former European Tour player Jay Townsend, prompting an angry response from the world number four.

“Shut up ... you’re a commentator and a failed golfer, your opinion means nothing!” McIlroy wrote on his Twitter site after American Townsend described his course management as “shocking” and “some of the worst I have ever seen beyond under-10 boys’ golf competition.”

Townsend stated that he stood by his comments and McIlroy then said: “Well, I stand by my caddie.”

By coming home in a spectacular six-under 30 - he birdied six of the next seven holes after the turn - Swede Christian Nilsson was the new clubhouse leader with a five-under-par 66.

Clarke and Harrington both stood one under with eight to play.