Overview

• Rory McIlroy birdied his final three holes to shoot a 3-under-par 68 in the first round of the Irish Open.
• McIlroy is aiming for his second Irish Open title, eight years after his first, at a course near his childhood home in Northern Ireland.
• The No. 3-ranked golfer had a mixed round with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes but recovered well to finish strong.
• Todd Clements of England leads the tournament with a 66, while Sami Valimaki and Alejandro Del Rey are tied for second at 67.
• McIlroy credits his solid start to feeling 'detached' from the tournament by staying at his home in Holywood, rather than near the course.