Overview
- Thursday’s opening round at the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg was hit by strong coastal winds and course congestion that produced long, stop-start play.
- Rory McIlroy described his round as taking more than six hours and players reported long waits that sometimes limited them to two full shots in an hour.
- Chilean Joaquin Niemann shot a course-record 65 to lead at five-under, with Shane Lowry at 67 and McIlroy at 69.
- A hot mic captured Jon Rahm shouting a profanity during his round and the host broadcaster issued an on-air apology.
- Several groups could not finish before darkness and will complete their first round on Friday, a situation that has drawn extra scrutiny because of tightened security at the Trump-owned course and recent questions about LIV Golf’s legal status.