Northern Ireland

England's netball team, the Vitality Roses, recovered from a 66-47 loss to Australia in the Commonwealth Games by defeating Malawi 73-38 in Glasgow. England led 37-23 at halftime and extended their lead in the third quarter, with Sasha Glasgow contributing to Malawi's struggles. Olivia Tchine of London Pulse scored 24 goals. England had earlier thrashed Northern Ireland 84-35. To keep medal hopes alive, England likely needs to beat South Africa in their final group match on Thursday. The team is currently ranked third in the world.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:54 PM UTC

Ulster University welcomed the internationally acclaimed Jaipur Literature Festival to Belfast in June 2026, marking the opening leg of the inaugural all-island edition. The three-day event brought leading Irish, Indian and international writers, historians, thinkers and performers to the university's Belfast campus. Notable participants included Indian politician and author Shashi Tharoor, who discussed democracy and constitutional traditions with David Kenny, along with historian William Dalrymple and author Aanchal Malhotra. The festival explored themes including identity, history, politics, climate, theatre and contemporary culture, while celebrating cultural connections between Ireland and India. Supported by the Government of Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the event was described by university officials as an important cultural moment that showcased Belfast and Northern Ireland as welcoming, creative and globally connected destinations for culture, creativity and international study. Indian students at the university expressed feeling at home seeing their culture celebrated in Belfast.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:04 PM UTC

England's netball team opened their Commonwealth Games campaign with a dominant 83-34 victory over Northern Ireland in Glasgow. The Roses led 24-7 after the first quarter and 41-18 at halftime, with all 12 players seeing court time. Half-time substitute Eleanor Cardwell top-scored with 35 goals from 37 shots. Head coach Anna Stembridge praised the performance and emphasized the team's focus on their upcoming match against defending champions Australia on Sunday. In the same pool, Scotland lost to New Zealand. The win builds confidence for England as they prepare to face the world number one ranked Australian team.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:17 PM UTC

Leeds United face a major setback in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles as Crystal Palace emerge as frontrunners for the £25-30 million-rated Northern Ireland international. Palace, fresh off winning the UEFA Conference League and securing Europa League qualification, hold a significant advantage by offering European football—a lure Leeds cannot match as they focus on Premier League survival. Charles, 22, impressed in the 2025/26 Championship with six goals and two assists in 38 appearances, while averaging 2.1 tackles and 5.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. Leeds have had two formal offers rejected by Southampton. The article advises Leeds to avoid a bidding war and consider walking away from the deal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:00 PM UTC

This article profiles actor Sam Neill, highlighting his five-decade career spanning over 150 films and TV shows. Known for his chameleonic charm, Neill played diverse roles from scoundrels to scientists, in blockbusters and indie films. He gained global fame as paleontologist Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (1993), a role he initially thought would be overshadowed by CGI. The piece covers his early life in New Zealand, his overcoming of a childhood stutter through acting, and his reputation for nuanced performances even in forgettable projects. It also notes his jovial online persona during the Covid pandemic, where he shared videos from his vineyard. Critics praise his everyman quality, rugged looks, and unpretentious attitude, which allowed him to avoid being typecast and maintain creative freedom.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:54 PM UTC

UEFA has sanctioned Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia with a €50,000 fine and a ban on selling tickets for its next away match following Nazi salutes and violent behavior by its supporters during a Europa League first qualifying round match against Derry City in Northern Ireland on July 16. The incidents, which included Nazi salutes, object throwing, vandalism, and public disturbances, caused a 15-minute delay to the kickoff. CSKA also received a suspended ban on ticket sales for an additional match on a two-year probation for racist and discriminatory behavior. A CSKA official was fined €5,000 for misconduct, and the club must compensate Derry City for stadium damage. Derry City was also fined €20,000 for a pitch invasion by its own supporters. The match, won 2-1 by CSKA, saw Derry eliminated from the Europa League on aggregate, moving to the Conference League.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:29 PM UTC

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly open to listening to offers for academy product Jamie Donley this summer, according to former journalist Darren Witcoop. The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international has been with Spurs since the age of eight and made his senior debut in December 2023. Donley had a breakthrough loan at Leyton Orient in 2024/25, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in League One, followed by loans at Stoke City and Oxford United. Tottenham have been active in the transfer market under manager Roberto De Zerbi, adding Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali, and others after narrowly avoiding relegation. The club has also sold Luka Vuskovic to Brighton and moved on Radu Dragusin and Alfie Devine. With injuries to Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski, Donley may get pre-season chances, but the club is willing to sell him if offers come in.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:32 PM UTC

As Irish Premiership champions Larne prepare to face Red Star Belgrade in Champions League qualifying, former Portadown defender Alfie Stewart reflects on his club's 1991 European Cup tie against the then-holders. Portadown lost 8-0 on aggregate, but Stewart describes the experience as a 'chance in a million.' The first leg was played in Hungary due to security concerns in Yugoslavia. Stewart recalls the hostile atmosphere, the physical prowess of Red Star's players, and the skill of future Lazio star Sinisa Mihajlovic, who scored two late free-kicks. The second leg at Shamrock Park featured 1991 European Golden Boot winner Darko Pancev. Stewart calls the occasion a tremendous reward for fans and a historic moment for Irish League football.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:46 AM UTC

This article from Record Portugal covers Portugal's U21 national team coach Luís Freire's approach to team building, emphasizing study and player development. It highlights Freire's one-year anniversary in charge, during which he has debuted 28 players. The match against Northern Ireland (a 4-0 win) saw five new internationals, including Sporting midfielder Eduardo Felicíssimo and FC Porto goalkeeper Gonçalo Ribeiro, both of whom expressed pride in their debuts. The article also includes quotes from Freire on the demands of the role and qualities he seeks in players, as well as a note from Gustavo Sá urging calm ahead of the European Championship. The team's campaign is described as 'close to perfection' by Freire.

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Rory McIlroy rebounded from a poor opening round to shoot a bogey-free 67 in the second round of the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. This performance placed him five shots behind leaders Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy, keeping him in contention. Despite his recovery, McIlroy criticized the course setup for creating a bunched leaderboard that failed to separate the field. The tournament highlighted the challenging conditions, with many top players struggling to adapt to difficult pin placements and strategic demands.

25 reports · 6 sources · Updated May 18, 10:30 AM UTC

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have expressed frustration over the UK Prime Minister’s lack of response to their request for urgent budget talks. The power-sharing Executive has yet to agree on a budget for the current financial year, warning that public services face dramatic cuts without additional Treasury support. Speaking at the Balmoral agricultural show, the leaders accused the Labour government of being distracted by internal turmoil at Westminster, which they claim is sidelining critical issues in Northern Ireland, such as the high cost of fuel and broader cost-of-living pressures. O’Neill described the situation in Westminster as a calamity that prevents focused attention on Northern Ireland’s needs. The leaders emphasized their continued efforts to secure a fair budget allocation and tax interventions from the UK government, arguing that local fortunes are being hampered by political instability in London. They stated they would continue to press for a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address these financial challenges and ensure adequate support for the region’s population during tough economic times.

1 reports · 1 sources

The German U17 women's national football team has advanced to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final after defeating tournament favorites Spain in a dramatic semi-final match held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Following a 0-0 draw in regular time, Germany secured victory through a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Mirja Kropp played a pivotal role by saving a penalty from Carlota Chacon, while Laia Cabetas missed for Spain. German players Johanna Putzer, Lena Martens, Laura Dafinger, and Dana Keßler successfully converted their spot-kicks. Head coach Sabine Loderer praised her team's disciplined defensive performance and focus under pressure. This victory not only places Germany in the final against France but also secures their qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Morocco. The win marks a significant achievement for the new generation of German players, ending a title drought for German women's teams since 2022. The final match is scheduled for Sunday and will be broadcast live on RTL+.

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Rory McIlroy endured a frustrating start to the PGA Championship at Aronimink, shooting an opening-round 74 that left him seven strokes behind the leaders. During his 990th career PGA Tour round, the 37-year-old Northern Irishman recorded an unwanted milestone: ending a round with four consecutive bogeys for the first time in his career. His performance was marred by poor driving and inconsistent play across all aspects of the game. Statistically, McIlroy ranked 111th in strokes gained off the tee, 89th in approach, 91st around the green, and 109th in putting, resulting in a total loss of 1.739 strokes to the field. Despite winning The Masters consecutively just last month, McIlroy faces a significant challenge to contend for his second major of the year. He will need substantial improvements in his long game and short game precision during the second round to recover his position in the tournament standings.

1 reports · 1 sources

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have expressed frustration over the UK Prime Minister’s lack of response to requests for urgent budget talks. The power-sharing Executive has failed to agree on a budget for the current financial year, warning that public services face dramatic cuts without additional Treasury support. Speaking at the Balmoral agricultural show, the leaders accused the Labour government of being distracted by internal party turmoil, which they claim is preventing focused attention on Northern Ireland’s cost-of-living crisis, particularly high fuel costs. O’Neill highlighted that tax levers remain with Westminster, yet the ongoing political debacle there means local needs are not being prioritized. The leaders emphasized their commitment to securing a fair budget allocation to support residents through tough economic times, despite the perceived neglect from London. They continue to seek direct intervention from the UK government to alleviate financial pressures on farmers and households, arguing that stability in Westminster is essential for meaningful progress on Northern Ireland’s fiscal challenges.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has strongly condemned hateful graffiti that appeared overnight on the Free Derry Corner wall in Derry. The graffiti, which read "KAT 13-0," is interpreted as a sectarian threat meaning "Kill All Taigs" alongside a reference to the thirteen victims killed by the British Army on Bloody Sunday in 1972. Eastwood described the act as disgusting and intended to traumatize the families of Bloody Sunday victims who have long fought for justice. The incident occurred shortly after community efforts had restored the landmark, leaving it bare. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is treating the vandalism as a sectarian-motivated hate crime and has launched an investigation. Officers discovered the graffiti during a patrol around 1:30 am. The PSNI has appealed to the public for any information, including dash-cam or CCTV footage, to help identify those responsible. This event highlights ongoing sectarian tensions and the sensitivity surrounding historical Troubles-era landmarks in Northern Ireland.

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German golf professionals Martin Kaymer and Stephan Jäger have taken a surprising lead at the 108th PGA Championship near Philadelphia. They are part of a seven-player group topping the leaderboard after the first round, joining world number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who also shot 67 strokes. In contrast, Masters winner Rory McIlroy struggled, sitting in 105th place after a round of 74. While Jäger has maintained consistent form on the PGA Tour, Kaymer’s performance marks a significant comeback. The 41-year-old, who has played on the Saudi-financed LIV Tour since 2022, revealed he is finally pain-free after struggling with left wrist issues since 2021. Kaymer shared an anecdote about being questioned at the Champions Dinner regarding his competitive intent, stating he did not fly from Europe just to eat steak, which served as motivation. Another German player, Matti Schmitt, also performed well, tying for 15th place. The tournament continues with the second round scheduled for Friday, as the players aim to maintain their strong start into the weekend.

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This news digest covers several major international and domestic stories. Former US President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China, claiming fantastic trade deals with President Xi Jinping during their final summit talks. In Northern Ireland, a new poll indicates that over 70% of residents, including many Leave voters, view Brexit as a failure rather than a success. Meanwhile, violence continues in Ukraine, where a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 24 people, dampening hopes for a ceasefire. Domestically in Ireland, a Dublin Castle café owner expressed fury over being forced to shut for six months due to the EU presidency. Other notable updates include the arrest of a woman in Donegal for a murder from two decades ago, an inquiry into RTÉ's staffing costs for World Cup coverage, condemnation of racism against the Rose of Tralee winner, and a salmonella-related recall of chicken products from major supermarkets like Aldi and Tesco.

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A recent opinion poll conducted by LucidTalk for Queen’s University Belfast reveals that over 70% of people in Northern Ireland consider Brexit a failure rather than a success. Notably, this sentiment includes 60% of those who originally voted to Leave the EU. The survey indicates that two-thirds of respondents believe Brexit has increased the likelihood of the United Kingdom breaking up. Additionally, public understanding of the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit trade deal, is declining, with only 46% viewing it positively, the lowest level since June 2021. Despite this, perceptions of its economic impact remain somewhat positive. The data highlights deep political divisions, with half of voters still defining their identity strongly by their Brexit stance. Trust in both Conservative and Reform-led UK governments to protect Northern Ireland’s interests is low, while the SDLP emerges as the most trusted party regarding the Windsor Framework. Furthermore, a majority of respondents support closer ties with the EU, with 57% favoring the UK rejoining the bloc. These findings underscore growing dissatisfaction with current arrangements and highlight the complex political landscape in Northern Ireland ten years after the initial referendum.

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Recent local elections in Britain have resulted in significant defeats for the Labour Party and the Conservative Party, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, emerged as the dominant force, securing the highest number of local government seats by overtaking traditional strongholds. The article attributes this surge to widespread dissatisfaction with established parties and underlying societal racism, noting that Reform’s profit-driven structure did not deter voters. Simultaneously, the Green Party achieved notable breakthroughs, including winning the mayoralty in Hackney, largely attracting former Labour supporters disillusioned with Keir Starmer’s leadership. The analysis suggests that the collapse of mainstream parties stems from a crisis in working-class representation. It argues that revitalizing militant trade unionism, potentially inspired by Global South strategies, is essential to counter the rise of far-right xenophobia. Furthermore, the results highlight growing separatist sentiments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, threatening the unity of the United Kingdom. The piece concludes that without significant structural changes in labor organizing and political representation, traditional parties face continued demise.

1 reports · 1 sources

In this nature diary entry from Murlough Nature Reserve in County Down, Northern Ireland, author Mary Montague describes the arrival of the common cuckoo as a definitive signal of summer. The piece contrasts the bird's charming song and distinctive physical features with its ruthless reproductive strategy. As a brood parasite, the female cuckoo lays eggs in the nests of small passerines like meadow pipits. Upon hatching, the cuckoo chick ejects the host's offspring, ensuring the foster parents devote all resources to raising the intruder while the biological parents migrate back to Africa. Despite describing this behavior as unscrupulous and selfish, the author expresses fascination rather than conflict, captivated by the bird's mechanical song and extraordinary life cycle. The narrative also touches on the surrounding landscape, noting recent wildfires in the Mourne mountains, but focuses primarily on the ecological dynamics and seasonal significance of the cuckoo's return. This reflection highlights the complex interplay between natural beauty and survival instincts in the wild.

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Scottie Scheffler secured a share of the first-round lead at the US PGA Championship held at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia. On a challenging day where low scores were rare, Scheffler finished three under par, joining a congested leaderboard that includes German veteran Martin Kaymer. A record 33 players are within two shots of the lead, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. In stark contrast, Rory McIlroy endured a difficult round, finishing seven shots back at four over par. McIlroy struggled with wayward tee shots and penalizing rough conditions, particularly on the back nine, leaving him with significant ground to make up. Other notable performances included Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick, who remained in contention, while major winners like Xander Schauffele and Shane Lowry sit just one shot off the pace. The course's undulating greens proved to be a stiff test for the world's best golfers, dispelling concerns that the layout would be too easy. Scheffler, maintaining his status as world number one, demonstrated resilience to hold a share of the lead in a major championship for the first time.

1 reports · 1 sources

World number one Scottie Scheffler shares the first-round lead at the 2026 US PGA Championship, posting a three-under 67 at the challenging Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. The course proved difficult for the field, with only 32 of 156 players finishing under par due to thick rough and sloping greens. Scheffler is tied with Martin Kaymer, Stephan Jaeger, Aldrich Potgieter, Min-Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune, and Alex Smalley. Notable struggles were faced by power hitters like Rory McIlroy, who finished four-over after erratic tee shots, and Bryson DeChambeau, who shot six-over. McIlroy noted the severe penalty for missing fairways, while DeChambeau struggled with his short game on tricky putting surfaces. Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley observed that players underestimated the course's difficulty from the rough. Meanwhile, 2010 US PGA winner Martin Kaymer revealed he was motivated to perform well after being questioned about his professional status during the Champions Dinner. The tough conditions contrasted with pre-tournament expectations of low scores, highlighting precision over power in the season's second major.

1 reports · 1 sources

A recent poll conducted by LucidTalk for Queen’s University Belfast reveals that a significant majority of people in Northern Ireland consider Brexit to be a failure. Specifically, 72% of respondents agree that Brexit has been more of a failure than a success, a sentiment shared by 60% of those who originally voted to Leave. Furthermore, two-thirds of participants believe Brexit has increased the likelihood of the United Kingdom breaking up. The survey also highlights declining public understanding and confidence in the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit deal designed to manage trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Only 46% now view the framework as a good thing for the region, marking its lowest approval since June 2021. Additionally, there is widespread distrust toward both Conservative-led and Reform-led UK governments regarding their ability to protect Northern Ireland’s interests in EU-UK relations. The findings suggest growing political fragmentation and dissatisfaction with current arrangements, with identity politics playing a significant role in voters' perspectives on the issue.

1 reports · 1 sources

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy expressed strong frustration after finishing the opening round of the US PGA Championship at four over par. The 37-year-old, who recently defended his Masters title, struggled significantly on the back nine at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia, recording four consecutive bogeys to end his day. McIlroy candidly described his performance as terrible, citing persistent issues with his driving accuracy that have plagued him throughout the year. He noted that missing fairways was more penalizing than anticipated, contradicting pre-tournament expectations that the course would yield low scores. While McIlroy faltered, his playing partners Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth finished one under par. Rahm experienced a mixed round but managed to recover with key shots, though he later apologized for accidentally hitting a volunteer with a divot during a practice swing. The challenging course conditions resulted in a clubhouse lead of only three under par, dispelling earlier predictions of extremely low winning scores. McIlroy remains focused on correcting his driving errors as he pursues his seventh major championship title.

1 reports · 1 sources

French national team manager Didier Deschamps announced his final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a Thursday evening broadcast on TF1. This selection marks Deschamps' last tournament as head coach, with his contract expiring upon completion of the competition. The announcement featured few major surprises, though notable inclusions were Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix, alongside Robin Risser as the third-choice goalkeeper. Conversely, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was omitted, a decision Deschamps acknowledged would be difficult for the player but necessary for professional balance. Former captain Hugo Lloris was not recalled, while Lucas Chevalier missed out due to fitness and playing time concerns. Deschamps emphasized his focus on the upcoming tournament, stating he is channeling all energy into preparation. France is scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16, following warm-up matches against Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland. The team will also face Iraq and Norway in their group stage fixtures before traveling to the East Coast for the tournament.

1 reports · 1 sources

Rory McIlroy expressed strong dissatisfaction with his opening round at the US PGA Championship, describing his performance as terrible after finishing four over par. The 37-year-old Northern Irishman struggled significantly on the back nine at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia, recording four consecutive bogeys to end his day. Although he initially stabilized after an early bogey with a birdie and ten straight pars, his driving accuracy faltered under pressure, leading to missed fairways and penalizing outcomes. McIlroy admitted that his ongoing issues with driving have persisted throughout the year and were more costly than anticipated on this specific course layout. Meanwhile, competitors Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth finished their rounds at one under par. Rahm experienced a mixed round but managed to recover with key shots, while also apologizing for accidentally hitting a volunteer with a divot during a frustrated practice swing. The challenging course conditions defied pre-tournament predictions of low scores, with the clubhouse lead standing at only three under par, indicating a tougher-than-expected test for the world's best golfers.

1 reports · 1 sources

World No. 2 golfer Rory McIlroy endured a difficult start to the PGA Championship, shooting a frustrating 4-over-par 74 in the first round at Aronimink Golf Club. Despite recently winning the Masters for the second consecutive year, McIlroy struggled significantly with his driving accuracy, a persistent issue throughout the current season. When asked to evaluate his performance succinctly, he used a single expletive to describe his round. He elaborated that his drives were inconsistent, missing right and then overcorrecting to miss left, which he found particularly aggravating given his pride in this aspect of his game. Although he was even par after birdieing the fifth hole (his 14th of the day), McIlroy finished with four consecutive bogeys, leaving him well off the lead. He noted that while his practice rounds earlier in the week were promising, his performance became wayward under competitive pressure, leading to missed fairways and tricky approach shots. This result marks a stark contrast to his recent major championship success.

1 reports · 1 sources

World number two Rory McIlroy faced significant challenges during the opening round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink, shooting a four-over par 74. The Northern Irish golfer attributed his frustrating performance to persistent driving issues that resurfaced under pressure, despite previous efforts to correct them. McIlroy admitted that his tee shots became wayward when he felt the intensity of major championship competition, leading to poor angles and difficult lies. He finished his round with five bogeys in his last six holes, including four consecutive bogeys. Although he had recently won the Masters, he noted similar struggles off the tee during that victory. McIlroy dismissed concerns about a right pinky toe injury, stating it was not a factor. He also cited windy conditions and the severe penalty for missing fairways at Aronimink as contributing factors to the high scores across the field. The golfer expressed his intention to return to practice to resolve these swing inconsistencies, acknowledging a back-and-forth pattern of missing right and then overcorrecting to the left.

1 reports · 1 sources

Rory McIlroy endured a disappointing opening round at the US PGA Championship, finishing four-over par after collapsing with four consecutive bogeys on his back nine. The 37-year-old Northern Irishman, aiming for back-to-back major titles following his recent Masters victory, started at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia. Although he recovered from an early bogey with a birdie and recorded ten straight pars, his round unraveled due to inaccurate tee shots. In the same featured group, Jon Rahm overcame early struggles to finish one-under par, highlighted by a dramatic eagle on the second hole. Jordan Spieth also finished at one-under, keeping his career grand slam hopes alive despite late bogeys. Xander Schauffele, the 2024 winner, posted a two-under 68, while Alex Fitzpatrick ended at two-over after a difficult finish. Bryson DeChambeau struggled significantly, shooting a six-over 76. Notably, Garrick Higgo managed a one-under 69 despite a two-shot penalty for arriving late to the tee. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler was scheduled to start later in the day. The round highlighted the challenging conditions at Aronimink, where many top contenders faced difficulties maintaining consistency.

1 reports · 1 sources

Rory McIlroy expressed blunt frustration after shooting a 4-over-par 74 in the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. When asked to describe his performance, the Northern Irish star used a single expletive, citing poor driving as the primary issue. McIlroy hit only five of 14 fairways and suffered bogeys on his final four holes, leaving him in danger of missing the cut. He dismissed concerns about a blister on his right pinky toe, stating it did not affect his play. The two-time reigning Masters champion acknowledged a recurring struggle with his drive accuracy throughout the year. Playing alongside Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm, McIlroy started with a bogey but recovered briefly before faltering on the back nine. His score placed him among the lowest performers, trailing behind LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau, who shot a 76. McIlroy noted that the penalty for missing fairways was more severe than anticipated due to the difficult rough conditions. This opening round mirrors his start at last year’s PGA Championship, evoking similar feelings of disappointment as he seeks to improve his standing before the weekend rounds.

1 reports · 1 sources