Lowry leading home charge as McIlroy frustrated after opening round of the Irish Open

Rory McIlroy hit out at DP World Tour rules officials after being put on the clock for slow play during his one-under 71.

2025 Amgen Irish Open, The K Club, Kildare 4/9/2025

Shane Lowry got his Amgen Irish Open campaign off to a strong start to lead the home charge at The K Club on Thursday but it was a frustrating return to the Palmer North Course for Masters champion Rory McIlroy as the €5.1 million DP World Tour event rolled into County Kildare amid sunshine and showers.

Unsurprisingly, Irish golf’s two leading lights attracted the biggest galleries of the morning ‘s play, and it was Lowry’s followers who witnessed the happier of the major champions after the opening 18 holes.