Wonder Willett too good for Rory
RORY McILROY was one of the first to congratulate Danny Willett on his victory at the Masters last month and thrilled when he entered the Irish Open this week. The tournament host might be less enamoured, however, if the Englishman carries on as he did in the first round at the K Club yesterday and denies him an opening success this season. For while McIlroy was very good and seemingly in the mood to quieten those who have been doubting him, Willett was positively brilliant, showing just why his win at Augusta will be far from a one-off wonder. The 28-year-old from Sheffield carded a magnificent sevenunder-par 65, while McIlroy ended up as his nearest pursuer following a 67. That’s not a bad first-day leaderboard, is it? McIlroy has been irked by some of the ‘what’s gone wrong?’ speculation following his winless start to the season and this was the best way to respond. ‘I thought I played very well,’ said the Northern Irishman, who usually does when he feels like he has something to prove. ‘I gave myself a lot of opportunities and it was nice to see a few putts drop.’ McIlroy has missed the cut for three successive years but this effort, featuring six birdies, equalled his best score in this event. Willett missed the cut at Sawgrass last week in his first tournament since Augusta but he is way too good and too driven for that to prove anything other than a rust-filled aberration. All those dumb Yanks who thought he won the Masters by default had better start thinking again. Former English amateur champion Callum Shinkwin lies joint third after composing a fine 68. Meanwhile, Justin Rose has pulled out of next week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth because of a back injury.