The Offaly man is one shot off the top.
Shane Lowry made a strong start at the PGA Championship in yesterday's opening round.
The Clara golfer carded 68 to sit on two-under-par, behind the seven-strong group leading on three-under.
Rory McIlroy had a difficult first day, carding five bogeys in his last six holes to sit on four-over.
The Masters champion believes his recent struggles off the tee are to blame:
Our coverage of this year’s PGA Championship is with thanks to Keenan Bauer Motors Mullingar. Your home for Citroen and Honda in the Midlands - Keenanbauer.com
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