Bjorn and McIlroy shake off injury concerns

McIlroy finished with a flourish to make a mediocre day better on day one of the Irish Open.

7 September 2023; Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts to his ball going in the water on the seventh hole during day one of the Horizon Irish Open Golf Championship at The K Club in Straffan, Kildare. Photo by 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.