PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland: Home favourite Rory McIlroy's British Open hopes were in tatters after a first-round horror show at Royal Portrush on Thursday ended with the four-times major winner carding an eight-over 79.
Graeme McDowell drew loud cheers from the packed galleries as he also got to three under after 14 holes on his hometown course but he leaked five shots in the last four holes. After taking a penalty drop, McIlroy chipped on to the green. He picked his ball out of the hole, to sympathetic applause, with an ugly eight on his card.
Ireland's Lowry thrilled the crowd by making three birdies on his outward nine and taking the lead with a birdie on the 12th hole to reach four under. He was overtaken by Simpson who got to five under after 13 holes.