McIlroy shoots frustrating 71 in first round at Canadian Open, Lowry off to flying start

He closed out his first round since the PGA Championship with back-to-back bogeys to undo some great recovery work midway through his round

Rory McIlroy reacts after missing a putt on the ninth green Picture: Frank Gunn/AP

Rory McIlroy’s reset remained a work in progress as his return from a three-week break didn’t go to plan on the opening day of the RBC Canadian Open. However compatriot Shane Lowry got off to a flying start in Toronto.

Masters champion McIlroy shot a frustrating 1-over 71 at TPC Toronto to leave him with work to do when he returns on Friday afternoon, closing with back-to-back bogeys to undo some great recovery work midway through his round. In that stretch McIlroy arguably looked as fluid as he has since Augusta but the costly finish left a bad aftertaste as he sat six shots off early clubhouse leader Taylor Pendrith.