McIlroy and Lowry endure difficult starts in Phoenix

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have made underwhelming starts to their opening round at the Phoenix Open on Thursday.

McIlroy, who won his last start at the Dubai Desert Classic, struggled to a two over opening round of 73.

Beginning on the back nine, McIlroy hooked his drive into the water at the 11th, subsequently tapping in for a bogey 5. While he recovered with birdies at 15 and 17, another dropped stroke followed at the 18th.

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Two more bogeys followed on his inward nine, on the 2nd and the short 7th holes to leave him well off the pace after Round 1.

It was an even more trying afternoon for Shane Lowry, who finished with two successive bogeys to card a four over par round of 75.

Seamus Power is faring rather better early in his round, currently one under par thru 4.

The pace is currently being set by Canadian duo Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. Xander Schauffele and 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley are one stroke further back on four under par.