McIlroy endures nightmare start

“It’s disappointing because I want to go out there and play well, not just for myself but for a lot of other people."

World number one and tournament host Rory McIlroy at least retained his sense of humour despite suffering a nightmare first round in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Royal County Down on Thursday.

McIlroy carded nine bogeys and no birdies in an opening 80 which left him dead last of the 78 morning starters and in need of a brilliant second round on Friday to avoid a third straight missed cut in the event.