• European Tour

McIlroy roars back at criticism from commentator

ESPN staff
July 28, 2011
Rory McIlroy is seven strokes off the lead at Killarney © PA Photos
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US Open winner Rory McIlroy has reacted angrily after American commentator Jay Townsend was critical of his first-round effort at the Irish Open.

McIlroy, playing for the first time since a disappointing effort at the Open Championship, led the tournament at four-under before fading badly on the back nine.

A double-bogey at 18 saw the Ulsterman card a one-under round of 70 that leaves him seven shots off leader Jeev Milkha Singh.

With such a buzz around Irish golf following Darren Clarke's success at Sandwich earlier this month, it was an underwhelming performance from the man who has been regularly compared to Tiger Woods in recent weeks.

To compound McIlroy's misery, former PGA and European Tour player Townsend said on Twitter: "McIlroy's course management was shocking. (It was) some of the worst I have ever seen beyond under-10 boys' golf competition."

McIlroy wasn't prepared to let the comment slide, replying: "Shut up...you're a commentator and a failed golfer, your opinion means nothing!"

The 21-year-old came under fire for comments at the Open Championship which suggested the deciding factor at the tournament was the weather.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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