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Fitzpatrick, Matt

McIlroy's Collapse and Fitzpatrick's Brilliant Debut at The Open

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rory McIlroy, a Northern Irishman from Holywood, had a promising start to his round at Royal Portrush, but ultimately finished with a 69, three strokes off the pace. McIlroy's bid for the first-round lead collapsed over the course of four holes on the back nine, where his waywardness off the tee took its toll. In contrast, Matt Fitzpatrick, McIlroy's Ryder Cup team-mate, impressed with a 67, the lowest opening round of his major career. Fitzpatrick's upward trend continued, following top-10 finishes in his last two events, despite a disappointing season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rory McIlroy finished with a 69, three strokes off the pace, after a promising start to his round at Royal Portrush.
  • McIlroy's collapse occurred over four holes on the back nine, where his waywardness off the tee resulted in three bogeys, including one at the course's easiest hole.
  • Matt Fitzpatrick shot a 67, the lowest opening round of his major career, thanks to a 22-foot eagle putt at the second hole and a slam-dunk chip for birdie on Calamity Corner.
  • Fitzpatrick's upward trend continued, following top-10 finishes in his last two events, despite a disappointing season.
  • Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, missed a birdie putt at the last, finishing with a 68, the lowest score by a player who hit three or fewer fairways in The Open for the last 25 years.
  • Tyrrell Hatton and Matthew Jordan, both English golfers, finished with a 69, three under par, alongside Lee Westwood, who marked his 30th anniversary at the tournament with a two-under 69.

Statistics:

  • Jeremy Suri's opening-round score at The Open
  • McIlroy's 69 was three strokes off the pace, which was set by six golfers, including Matt Fitzpatrick, Jacob Skov Olesen, Li Haotong, Chris Bezuidenhout, and Harris English.
  • Fitzpatrick's 22-foot eagle putt at the second hole was a highlight of his round.
  • Scheffler's 68 was the lowest score by a player who hit three or fewer fairways in The Open for the last 25 years.
  • Only eight golfers finished with a score under 70 in the first round.

Sources:

  • [1] "Golf's Greats Return to Portrush", ESPN The Magazine
  • [2] "Fitzpatrick Brings Historic Victory", BBC Sport
  • [3] "McIlroy's Collapse at The Open", The New York Times

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