Putter stutters frustrate McIlroy

Rory McIlroy three-putted two of his last three holes today for a disappointing 70 in the first round of the Irish Open over a Royal Portrush course he knows so well.

Given “phenomenal” support by an all-ticket crowd there to watch the first staging of the event in Northern Ireland since 1953, the world number two stood four under on the 16th tee.