Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy endured a turbulent opening round at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday, signing for a one-over-par 72 he described as a "roller coaster" day.
A Day of Highs and Lows at Royal Melbourne
Playing the prestigious composite course at Royal Melbourne, McIlroy's card was a story of inconsistency, punctuated by five birdies and six bogeys. The challenging conditions were a significant factor, with swirling winds gusting up to 38 mph testing the entire field.
The Northern Irishman's round began on the 10th hole with an immediate birdie, but that bright start was quickly undone by two consecutive bogeys. This pattern of gaining ground only to surrender it continued throughout his day, leading to his colourful description of the proceedings.
Damage Control in Demanding Conditions
Despite the frustrating scorecard, McIlroy felt he managed to "limit the damage" given the severe weather. He acknowledged some errant shots, stating he had "hit it in a couple of bad spots", and was also hampered by a couple of three-putts.
His final bogey came on the par-three seventh hole, his 16th of the day. He was in good company, however, as his high-profile playing partners Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee also carded a four on the same difficult hole.
Massive Crowds and Hope for Calmer Skies
One undoubted highlight for McIlroy was the phenomenal spectator turnout. The star trio drew thousands of fans for their early 7am tee time, which left McIlroy genuinely impressed. "It was amazing, I couldn't believe how many people were there," he said.
He also expressed his respect for the tournament, noting the pride Australians take in the event and hinting at its special place in the golfing calendar. Looking ahead, McIlroy is hoping for a change in the weather to aid his challenge, simply stating, "I hope the conditions are better tomorrow."
