McIlroy finished strong with two birdies after 'pretty average day'

Former Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn held the clubhouse lead with Jordan Smith and Ross Fisher having scored a six-under 66.

STRONG FINISH: Rory McIlroy acknowledged a lack of practice was a factor as he carded a first-round 69 made pretty by two closing birdies. . Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Rory McIlroy acknowledged a lack of practice was a factor as he carded a first-round 69 made pretty by two closing birdies.

Not in action since last month’s Tour Championship in Atlanta and nursing a lower back strain, the 34-year-old finished with a flourish to make a mediocre day better on day one of the Irish Open.