'It really is a traffic jam': ‘Sexy’ Irish Open kicks off amid testing conditions

Rory McIlroy’s group took two hours to finish five holes

Rory McIlroy putts for par on the fifth hole. Picture: Cian O'Regan

This is links golf. The pace of play on the first day of the Amgen Irish Open was glacial as strong winds and the course layout combined to test the patience of players and spectators.

The Doonbeg venue is an out-and-back course, playing straight downwind on the front nine. It resulted in lengthy delays with several groups standing on tee boxes.