Day one digest: 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

Everything you need to know from day one in Ireland.

Lucas leapt ahead, the fans made their presence felt, Bland continued to bloom and the Bullet showed why we all love him so on day one of the 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday at Mount Juliet Estate.

Herbert hits the front

Lucas Herbert fired his lowest European Tour round in almost two years to take a two shot lead after day one. The Australian claimed a maiden European Tour win at last season's Omega Dubai Desert Classic but he has secured just two top tens since, including one at this event last season. After a relatively slow start, he made eight birdies in his last 13 holes to catapult himself up the leaderboard and get to eight under. "Made a really long one on 18 for birdie and that kind of sparked things and got things going," he said. "Was able to play really nice that last nine holes. It's a little bit tight in spots as well where you're not taking driver and just sending it. You have to play to some positions. Second group out we were, the greens were unbelievable. I can't remember putting on greens that nice."

Fans are back

Golf was starting to feel back to normal as fans were allowed to line the fairways and cheer on their heroes in County Kilkenny. After a few events in the States and a much-enjoyed limited general admission at the Porsche European Open, a limited amount of tickets went on sale for this event and promptly sold out. "It was nice," said Shane Lowry. "There's only a small amount of people but felt like there were a lot of them with us and there was a bit of buzz and excitement which was nice." Grant Forrest added: "It makes such a difference. Just having some people out there, just hearing the claps, and obviously some groups will have big crowds, it makes all the difference I think. I definitely prefer it." Don't we all.

Feeling confident, Blandy?

After a first win at the age of 48 and a 36 hole lead at the U.S. Open in the last two months, Richard Bland is absolutely flying. No wonder he pulled this off.

When you're hot, you're hot

The players are raving about the greens this week and Niall Kearney was taking full advantage of the surfaces by draining not one but two monsters. That'll get the local crowd going.

Anyone for merch?

Marcus Armitage may be a European Tour winner but like a lot of the guys out on Tour, he's still a fan as well. Never change, Marcus.