McIlroy roars into contention with three closing birdies on Day 1 of Amgen Irish Open

Rory McIlroy walks off the 18th green after finishing his first round with three birdies in a row

Just as the Royal County Down galleries were starting to Google the names of Todd Clements and Sami Valimaki for guidance on the Amgen Irish Open first-round leaders, Rory McIlroy roared into contention and all was well again.

The home hero delivered right on cue with three birdies to close his opening 18 on the world-renowned links here and sit two shots off the overnight lead heading into Friday’s second round and an 8am tee time.