Rory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open

Rory McIlroy blamed a late night for his slow start before living up to his billing as the pre-tournament favourite in the DS Automobiles Italian Open.

Starting on the back nine at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup, McIlroy was one over par after eight holes and threw his ball away in frustration following a bogey on the 17th.

The four-time major winner then had to hole from 18 feet to save par on the 18th and from seven feet on the first, but kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.