Double Major winning Rory McIlroy paid a price for his missing clubs, jet lag and some wayward drives on the opening day of the Irish Open.

The highest world ranked player in the field signed for a three over par 74 that included just three birdies but also double the number of bogeys to be trailing 10 shots behind ‘Flying Finn’ Mikko Illonen.

The 34-year old Illonen birdied five of his closing seven holes to set a new course record of a seven under par 64 and 10 shots fewer than McIlroy.

McIlroy struggled hitting just eight of the 14 fairways and taking 30 putts in his first competitive showing on the stunning Fota Island course.

Rory McIlroy center of media attention despite an opening Irish Open round of 74. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“I’ve still got a little bit of jet‐lag for sure coming from the U.S. Open,” he said.

“I wasn’t able to do much the Monday, Tuesday, because the clubs didn’t arrive until yesterday, as well, so that was a little bit frustrating more than anything else.

“But I did a really good practise session on the range last night after the Pro‐Am and was feeling good going out this morning.

“However I just couldn’t really put it together as I was very sloppy with the scoring clubs today, wedges, the short game, the putting. All that was just a little off.

“So hopefully that is my poor round for the week and I can do a better job of that tomorrow and obviously I’ll need something in the low 60s just to be here on the weekend.”