Irish Open 2016: Thursday Leaderboard Scores and Highlights

Danny Willett made a booming return to the European Tour on Thursday after he shot a first-round 65 at the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open to head into the clubhouse with a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy.

The defending Masters champion recorded just one bogey en route to shooting seven-under par at the K Club in County Kildare, Ireland, where McIlroy built a steady foundation for the rest of his tournament with a promising first round.

Golfing Weekly was full of praise for on-fire Willett, who wasn’t long after making his comeback following his Masters victory in April:

Danny Willett today at #IrishOpen #DDFIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/NLYuw2D0Wi

— Golfing Weekly (@Golfing_Weekly) May 19, 2016

Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher impressed in the morning session after each recording first-round scores of three-under, while Dublin native Paul Dunne got around the Kildare course in 70.

Read on for a breakdown of Thursday’s scores in full, complete with recap and highlights of all the first-round drama. 

Visit the official European Tour website for a look at the full leaderboard.

Recap

After a month away from the sport, Willett made his return to competitive golf at the Players’ Championship last weekend, but a terrific first round at the Irish Open suggests the Masters winner is more comfortable closer to home.

The Sheffield native’s front nine was solid, albeit nothing spectacular with three birdies to speak of, but a rampaging record of four birdies between the 10th and 14th holes saw him run free of the field.

ESPN’s Jason Sobel could hardly believe Willett’s streak:

Danny Willett leads the Irish Open by three strokes already. That …

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