McIlroy struggles as Im & Herbert soar

Just as we were bemoaning the fact that there were so few Americans at the DD Irish, one of them pops up and shoots a 64 to take a share of the lead!

Daniel Im, who is ranked a lowly 542^nd in the world, got off to an amazing start with six birdies on his front nine, and a further two on his back nine.

With only a solitary Challenge Tour victory to his name, the 32–year–old Im reflected after his round:

“I think it was a bit of luck. I think the big man was definitely watching out for me today. And then I striped the ball quite well at the end. I putted really well through the round. I made some good par saves and I made some good birdie putts to keep it going.”

He was later joined by world number 254 Frenchman Benjamin Herbert, who had previously missed the cut in 5 of the 12 events he has played so far this year.

The super–group group featuring Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Jon Rahm had a mixed bag of fortunes.

Rahm shot an excellent 65 leaving him just one shot behind Im and Hebert, and alongside Oliver Fisher and Matthew Southgate.

Here's the best shots of his first round:

His round included six birdies and an eagle with a solitary bogey. World number two, Hideki Matsuyama also had a good first day out on the links, shooting a 67.

But Rory could just not get it going, and shot a level par 72 to lie back T85. Fortunately, he still knows how to get out of a bunker! 

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