Defending champion Rory McIlroy off to rough start at Amgen Irish Open

Joaquin Niemann fired four consecutive birdies late in his round to post a 5-under 65 and take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International in Doonbeg, Ireland on Thursday. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, along with Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm, faced the toughest wind conditions of the day, with Lowry finishing at 67 to sit two shots back. Strong winds slowed play significantly, leaving several players, including Adrian Meronk at 3-under, unable to complete their rounds before darkness.