Amgen Irish Open: Slow Play Plagues First Round at Trump National Doonbeg

The first round of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump National Doonbeg was plagued by slow play, with players taking up to six hours to complete their rounds.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, two of the biggest names in the field, spoke out about the pace of play after the round.

'It was probably the longest round of golf I ever played,' said Lowry, who described his experience as part of a three-ball. He added that he 'didn't think we were going to get finished.'

McIlroy also expressed frustration with the slow pace, citing both the course layout and the size of the field as contributing factors.

'This course isn't conducive to sort of letting you get in a flow,' McIlroy said. 'Especially the first two days with so many people in the field, there's a lot of stopping and starting.'

Despite the challenges, both players managed to finish strongly, with Lowry posting a three-under 67 and McIlroy finishing on one-under following a 69.