McIlroy hits the ground running

Far from being overawed by his first round as a professional, Rory McIlroy was right at home at the Belfry this morning carding a flawless round of three-under to share sixth place in the early stages.

The Co Down teenager, who enjoyed a glittering career as an amateur which included winning the silver medal at this year's British Open, lies just four off the British Masters lead set by the Scandanavian duo of Jarmo Sandelin and Soren Kjeldsen.

Scotland's Lloyd Saltman, also on his European Tour debut as a pro and a team-mate of McIlroy's at the Walker Cup two weeks ago, also began brightly with two birdies in his first four holes, but faltered as the round wore on to finish on three-over. then came a double bogey for the 22-year-old.

Both have already come through the first stage of the tour qualifying school, but have been invited to take part this week and have more chances coming up to try to earn the £150,000 they need to by-pass the school and earn a place on next year's circuit.

McIlroy's first few holes did not go entirely to plan.  After a chip to three feet saved him a par on the 10th, his first, he pushed his drive down the 11th into a pot bunker and was so close to the face he had to play out backwards.

When he then went over the green with his third a double bogey was a possibility, but to his huge relief McIlroy chipped in for par and then birdied the 12th and 17th.

The 18-year-old was the model of consistency on the front nine, picking up a further stroke at the par four sixth to cap an excellent start to his professional career.

"I gave myself quite a few chances," he said afterwards. "It could have been better, but I am not complaining — I would have taken 69.

"I was not nearly as nervous as at The Open and if I can keep playing like that I will be happy. If I can there's no reason why I can't be up there come Sunday."

McIlroy's new ISM stablemate Paul McGinley finished a shot back on two-under alongside defending champion Johan Edfors but Darren Clarke's struggles continue, the Dungannon man reaching the 15th on four-over.