Disappointing start for McIlroy in SA
Rory McIlroy has had a disappointing opening round of one over par 73 in the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City in South Africa.
Thursday, 03 December 2009
Australian Robert Allenby took the lead, but local favourite Retief Goosen was the one with something to celebrate.
Goosen won a Volvo for an eagle two at the 480-yard 17th and reacted by throwing the ball out into the lake and hitting what, by then, was his car.
The double US Open champion finished with a three-under-par 69 to be alongside compatriot Tim Clark and only one behind pacesetter Allenby.
Playing partner Robert Karlsson also reached four under, but in stark contrast double-bogeyed the 17th and dropped back alongside compatriot and defending champion Henrik Stenson and American Hunter Mahan.
Rory McIlroy appeared out of sorts from the start and was reported to have been put on a drip during a two-hour thunderstorm suspension.
Northern Ireland's world number 10 returned to birdie the final two holes, but a one over 73 left the 20-year-old bringing up the rear with England's Ross Fisher and American Nick Watney.
This is McIlroy's debut in the competition.
Earlier this week, the Holywood golfer revealed on his blog he was feeling "run down".
The Race to Dubai runner-up however stays in with a chance as no one at the head of the field has thus far, pulled far enough away.
The 12-man event offers a first prize of over £720,000 and includes five Europeans.
© Press Association