Horizon Irish Open - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from the first round at The K Club.

Sharma put on a show to hit the front, while Bjørn made a dream return from injury on day one of the 2023 Horizon Irish Open.

Here is everything you need to know from the first round at The K Club.

Bjørn rolls back the years on injury comeback

Thomas Bjørn won this event in 2006 and proved on Thursday that he is still capable of contending for the title 17 years on, even after missing the past 10 weeks through injury. The 52-year-old Dane fired an opening 66, which contained seven birdies and a closing bogey, to sit in a tie for second. Bjørn, who has not played competitively since June due to collarbone and lower back problems, said: "I said this morning when we walked to the first tee 'let's try to see if we can break 90'. And after nine holes I said 'I've got to shoot 56 on the back nine to break 90, so we'll be all right'. It was that kind of day."

Sharma's sparkling 65 sets the pace

Shubhankar Sharma produced a brilliant burst of scoring around the turn as he fired a flawless 65 to reach seven under par and open up a one-shot lead. The 27-year-old carded an eagle and five birdies as well as pulling off a series of impressive par saves in pleasant afternoon conditions. His hole-out eagle on the 18th was one of many highlights. He said: "I made a lot of putts on the back nine, which was my front nine, and the round kind of got even better when I made that third shot at the 18th. I holed out from 105 yards. That got me to five under, and the front nine was solid again, which was my back nine."

Early risers come to cheer on McIlroy

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy enjoyed remarkable support from the bumper crowds on day one, including young fan Lucy who arrived early to watch the World Number Two tee off at 08:00 before heading to school. McIlroy, who shot an opening 69 to sit four shots off the lead after 18 holes, was grateful for the support. He said: "No matter where we play the Irish Open, the crowds always come out. It's a pleasure to play in front of them because they are very knowledgeable and they are very enthusiastic. I feel like they live and die every shot with you, whether you hole a putt or miss a putt but it's great to have that support out there for sure."

Birdies and eagles raise money for charity

Among a number of fundraising activities this week, the Birdies for Wishes campaign returned with a bang on day one. With every birdie at the 18th during tournament play resulting in a €150 donation from title sponsors Horizon Therapeutics and €300 being donated for every eagle, €9,450 was raised on Thursday.

Harrington wows his home crowd

Pádraig Harrington put his short-game skills to good use on Thursday as he managed to get this one close despite having to stand on the rocks...

Defending champion starts brightly

Last year's winner Adrian Meronk put his Ryder Cup disappointment behind him as a first-round 69 put him very much in contention. He said: "I played solid, a lot of good shots. I'm quite happy with how I finished and excited for the next round."