The Clara golfer looks forward to returning to links competition today.
There are 11 Irish players, including Offaly's Shane Lowry, in the field for the Amgen Irish Open, which is now underway at Royal County Down.
Waterford's Seamus Power is among six players that share the early lead on 2 under par.
Padraig Harrington and Gary Hurley have also started well - they are both 1 under par.
Lowry tees off at 12.40pm, and at 1pm, Rory McIlroy begins his attempt to win a second Irish Open in the company of fellow Holywood pro Tom McKibbin and last year's winner Vincent Norrman of Sweden.
The 2009 Irish Open champion says the course is unique in its character:
Coverage with thanks to Keenan Bauer Motors Mullingar - Your home for Citroen and Honda in the Midlands - Keenanbauer.com
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