Mac the strife: McIlroy off in mood after bad round

There is no other way to look at it — Rory McIlroy’s British Open preparations are in disarray. With less than a week to go before the third major of the season, the world No 4 men’s golfer is facing the prospect of missing his third cut in as many events after a ghastly opening at Dundonald Links.

Scottish Open folklore already has it that this multi- millionaire — whose off- course earnings top £ 25 million per annum — travelled over from Belfast to Ayrshire on the ferry. But, in golf terms, he could really do with a lifeboat.

His two- over 74 put him nine off the lead and outside the top 100. McIlroy’s disgust was summed up by his uncharacteristic decision to swerve the media afterwards.

After finishing last week’s Irish Open in a tie for 118th, the 28- yearold is desperate to make this cut. A rib injury blighted the first half of his season, and he requires the game- time and is plainly in need of the confidence. Royal Birkdale should suit McIlroy. But no course would suit in this form.

McIlroy’s wedge play was nothing more than woeful. On the 13th came the nadir. With a wedge in his hands, he could only locate the ditch short of the green. A duff and two putts later and the result was a double- bogey six. Four- over after four, and the conditions could have been described as generous.

McIlroy launched a fightback, of sorts, until a final- hole bogey sent his mood into reverse again.

It is difficult to envisage the 2014 Open champion launching a challenge in Southport, although he could click in an instant.

Mikko Ilonen’s blemish- free 65 afforded a cushion of two shots over a group on five- under, including Padraig Harrington, Ian Poulter and Rickie Fowler.

New Zealander Ryan Fox got off to a rough start with a doublebogey on the opening hole but battled back to be even par.