Overview

• McIlroy’s threesome received a slow‑play warning early in round one at The K Club and was timed again over the final three holes by a different official.
• He said the timing rulings left him rushed, contributing to two late bogeys and a 1‑under 71 that left him five shots behind co‑leaders Nacho Elvira, Romain Langasque and Thorbjorn Olesen at six under.
• Playing partners Thriston Lawrence (81) and Kristoffer Reitan (77) struggled, with both finding water on the seventh hole, which McIlroy suggested added to delays.
• McIlroy framed the incident as part of a wider pattern for marquee groups, noting similar treatment at major events including the Players Championship.
• Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley backed McIlroy on Friday, calling him one of the game’s faster players, while no immediate tournament response was reported.