Round 1 of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open got underway today at Mount Juliet Estate in county Kilkenny, and there was no shortage of action. Former US Open winner Martin Kaymer took an early lead with 3 under through 3. Kaymer’s bogey free back nine cemented his place in the top ten after round 1 but he couldn’t hang onto lead due to the stellar form of Australian Herbert Lucas who shot a 8 under 64.
Rory McIlroy’s putting woes returned as he struggled on the green throughout his opening round, the worst of which was a tap-in par putt which he missed on the 6th. With Bogeys on two, six and eight, Rory’s Irish Open seemed be be heading in a negative direction. However despite the misbehaviour of his putter, McIlroy managed to to card an even par 72, putting him in a decent position for the remainder of the tournament.
Reigning Open Champion Shane Lowry carded a two under 70 keeping his bogeys to a minimum on holes 5 and 13. The five time European Tour winner has only good memories of the Irish Open, as he won the event at County Louth Golf Club in 2009 as an amateur. Despite currently sitting at T57, Lowry has more than enough golf left to play. Another Irishman in good shape is Colm Moriarty, who managed to pull off a 4 under 68. Moriarty’s fellow countryman Niall Kearney couldn’t manage to achieve the same form, carding a 1 under 71.
This years Walker Cup team member Mark Power, who remains in amateur status, couldn’t manage to get under par in round 1 carding a 1 over 73. Also over par is Irish Open veteran Padraic Harrington, who carded a decent 4 over 76.
Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is perhaps the most recognisable name on the leaderboard after round one. After carding a handsome 5 under 67, Fleetwood has only five names to clear before he tops the leaderboard and is in the best position going into round 2.
Round 2 kicks off tomorrow at 7:30am, the more popular tee times begin at 8:00am as Rory McIlroy has Tommy Fleetwood for company once again. Both Lowry and Harrington set out in the early afternoon.
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