The superstar name was left frustrated at being put on the time clock during the first round of his tournament at K Club
18:11, 04 Sep 2025Updated 18:17, 04 Sep 2025
Rory McIlroy in action
Frustrated Rory McIlroy ripped into Irish Open officials after being slammed onto the K Club clock.
The superstar attraction believes “common sense” is needed after attracting unwanted attention during his opening round.
McIlroy’s group with South African Thriston Lawrence and Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan was followed by massive galleries and lost ground on the group ahead during the front nine.
The career Grand Slam hero and his partners were subsequently put on the clock by tournament chiefs and the World No.2 says he felt rushed through the latter period of his round.
McIlroy dropped two shots in his final three holes to slip down the boards and five behind leader Nacho Elvira.
Commotion around his group didn’t help with time as he fumed: “Of course, we’re going to lose ground because we’re going to have to wait on crowds and wait on the two camera crews that are out there.
“Sometimes I feel like they have to give us a little bit of leeway and use a bit of common sense. There’s a lot more going on with our group than with any of the other groups on the course.
“Honestly, I felt a little rushed out there for the last 12 holes. We got put on the clock pretty early and then the first official went away, and then we put on the clock for the last three holes to try to make time up.
“It’s hard because you feel a bit rushed. You’re playing some tough holes and our group has to deal with a lot more than any other group on the course, so it’s understandable that we lose time.
“And I feel like anytime I either come back to Europe or I play in some of these like 1-2-3 in the world type groups, we’re always put on the clock for that reason, so I got a little frustrated the last few holes because I feel like it always happens.”
Despite the holdups, Masters champ McIlroy certainly didn’t have any complaints with the huge backing he got as he added: “No, it’s been amazing. It’s great every time I come back and play in this tournament.
“The crowds are unbelievable and it’s obviously a pleasure to play in front of them. They create a great atmosphere.”
(Image: PA)
McIlroy was also pleased with his overall work as he begins serious build-up to The Ryder Cup and said: “I felt like I played better than what the score reflects. Just had that disappointing finish, bogeying two of the last three holes.
“But I’m actually pretty encouraged by how I played. Just didn’t score as well as I wanted to. The game feels pretty good. Sort of a continuation of what I saw at East Lake a couple weeks ago.
“Ball striking-wise I thought I was pretty good, around the greens for the most part I was good. Just a matter of being more efficient with the scoring, so, hopefully, I can get it going and shoot a low one.”
McIlroy wasn’t the only local pulling the crowds as Shane Lowry also had his big fanbase.
He rewarded them to finish strongly and card a 69 to sit three off Elvira.
He said: “I was pretty happy with the way I finished. Even though I was one over through eight, I was playing nicely and I was hitting the ball well and giving myself some chances.
“So I just had to stay patient and that’s what I did. Got myself a few chances coming in and managed to convert a few as well.
“The Irish crowds are great. We obviously had that at the Open a few weeks ago as well. It was really nice.
“It’s nice to play well in front of them as well and, hopefully, I can keep playing alright and give them something to cheer about come Sunday.”