Rory Mcllroy hits the first hole EVER in a pro career as he puts his US Open hangover behind him by hitting a five iron from 214 yards at Travelers Championship
- Rory Mcllroy hits his first hole-in-one for the first time since turning pro in 2007
- The Northern Irishman hit an iron five from 214 yards at the Travelers Championship
- Mcllroy put his American disappointment behind him at the Connecticut tournament
Rory McIlroy eased his US Open hangover by carding his first PGA Tour ace at the Travelers Championship.
The Northern Irishman had never nailed a hole-in-one on the track since turning pro in 2007, but on eighth at Connecticut, he cleared a five-iron from 214 yards.
With his fists clenched, the four-time big winner made a much happier figure than four days earlier, when he was beaten to second place by Wyndham Clark at the US Open in Los Angeles.
McIlroy was near his best at times during the third major of the season, but paid a high price for a cold putter in his final round.
Those problems seemingly resurfaced yesterday with two back-to-back three-putts for bogeys on the fourth and fifth holes, following a birdie on two.
Rory Mcllroy hit his first hole in one of his professional careers at the Travelers Championship
The Northern Irishman celebrated by throwing his ball into the audience in Connecticut
McIlroy’s ace brought him back to one under for further birdies on nine, 10 and 14, with a lost shot on the par-five 13th. Keegan Bradley had the early lead into the clubhouse at eight under, two ahead of Shane Lowry.
Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinari claimed part of the clubhouse lead in the first round of the BMW International Open.
The Italian made eight birdies and two bogeys at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried for a six-under-par 66 matched by Frenchman Adrien Saddier and Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino.
Play was suspended shortly before 7pm local time for the day due to the threat of lightning, with 27 players still to complete their round.
“I think it’s a really good start,” said Molinari.