DP World Tour is back this week with the anticipated Irish Open. The event is streamlined with star players and the first round is flowing smoothly. But things went in the opposite direction of what was expected. While star of the moment Rory McIlroy is away from what was expected of him, some different names set their flag.
Winning on the DP Tour is no less challenging than winning on the PGA Tour and while McIlroy is quite the master of both tours, today simply wasn’t his day as he got bested by another European pro who even got lauded by fans for a humble stance and great performance.
Danish golfer leaves behind Rory McIlroy at Irish Open
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The first round at K Club went with flare. Ryder Cup selection Shane Lowry shot an opening round of 68. He began with 3 birdies over the first 4 holes. He again made a bogey on the 7th hole, tried to improve it on 8 but slipped again on 9th.
Offaly man did well and finished four under. But poor performance was given by John Murphy with a 73, Conor Purcell with 74, and Walker Cup player Alex Maguire with 76. But expectations were high from Rory McIlroy who is returning with his glorious 2016 winner of the event at K Club.
Before McIlroy appeared in the event he even shared his excitement. Today he shot an opening round of 69, three shy of par but still is sitting on T17 as the spotlight was taken by Thomas Bjorn. This year’s Ryder Cup vice-captain Bjorn shot round on 66 and is tied for the first spot with Ross Fisher and Jordan Smith who shot the same. However remaining humble to his success, Bjorn instead of showing pride displayed his wit.
I’m as surprised as you…🤣 https://t.co/yWgeY6tj7P
— Thomas Bjørn (@thomasbjorngolf) September 7, 2023
As the DP World Tour shares his stat from today, Bjorn trolls himself by saying that he is just as surprised by his result. And fans are commending Bjorn for his class act.
Fans applaud Thomas Bjorn for a great performance at Irish Open
This fan encouraged Bjorn to keep the good performance going.
Keep it going big man #YNWA
— **Brian dempsey (@BrianPepsi39d) September 7, 2023
Another fan also applauded him and called him a well season player who has been performing well for ages.
Way to go Thomas!!! One for the ‘seasoned’ aged crowd like me!
— Christian Smith (@G8RByte) September 7, 2023
Another fan trolled him a bit by calling him an old man but commended him for keeping a strong game despite the old age.
You've still got it old man. 🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰
— Bent Nielsen (@JavaOrc) September 7, 2023
Another said that he is displaying the power of the vikings on the green.
Viking powers !
— Graham Card (@GrahamCard) September 7, 2023
One fan called him the king.
The King 🔥
— Mark Kondrup (@MarkCkondrup) September 7, 2023
This fan suggested Thomas to show all the hard work he has done at the game.
Fark I nearly fell off the couch. Great stuff Tommy B. Don’t you go near that range and ruin all that hard work you’ve put in either.
— Steve Potts (Shaggs) (Pottsie) (@shaggs23) September 7, 2023
Another wrote he is a class act.
Class is permanent, form is temporary as they say 🤜
— Robbie Shankland (@rockinrobbie14) September 7, 2023
Another asked him to enjoy the Irish weather.
Nice one Thomas and good to hear your chat with nick afterwards, play well and enjoy the Irish weather.
— phil crawford (@philcra16226636) September 7, 2023
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Thomas Bjorn is enjoying a good round and the love of the public as well.
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While there are three more rounds left to determine the winner, the European players are presented with a good opportunity to prove their skills. Especially for the Ryder Cup participants this is a good chance to shine.
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