Rory McIlroy faced a challenging first round at the Australian Open held at Royal Melbourne, struggling with hay fever, sleep deprivation, and strong winds to finish one-over par on Thursday. The Northern Irish golfer, who previously expressed concerns about the course compared to Kingston Heath, experienced firsthand the difficulties presented by Royal Melbourne, which lived up to its reputation.
Teaming up with fellow golfers Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, McIlroy battled against strong crowds, an onslaught of flies, and the scorching northerly winds that plagued the course. Despite teeing off early, the conditions proved to be treacherous. Scott noted that the weather was among the toughest he had ever faced on the course.
As the round progressed, especially by the time he reached the eighth hole, McIlroy found himself struggling against the elements. His private security guard, Andy, provided him with an antihistamine after he emerged from the 17th tee, highlighting the toll the conditions took on him during the round.
While McIlroy’s performance was not what he had hoped for, it showcases his determination and resilience in the face of adversity on one of golf’s more demanding stages. As the tournament continues, he will undoubtedly seek to overcome these challenges and improve his standing in the days ahead.