Rory Mcllroy hails his first-ever hole in one of his pro career

Rory McIlroy softened his US Open hangover by carding his first PGA Tour ace at the Travellers Championship. 

The Northern Irishman had never nailed a hole in one on the circuit since turning professional in 2007 but drained a five iron from 214 yards on the eighth in Connecticut.

Pumping his fists, the four-time major winner cut a far happier figure than four days earlier, when he was beaten into second by Wyndham Clark at the US Open in Los Angeles.

McIlroy was at close to his best at times during the season’s third major but paid dearly for a cold putter in his final round.

Those issues seemingly resurfaced yesterday with two three-putts in succession for bogeys at the fourth and fifth holes, following a birdie at two.

The Northern Irishman celebrated by throwing his ball into the crowd in Connecticut

McIlroy’s ace carried him back to one under before further birdies at nine, 10 and 14, with a dropped shot at the par-five 13th. Keegan Bradley had the early clubhouse lead on eight under, two clear of Shane Lowry. 

Meanwhile Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinari claimed a share of the clubhouse lead in the first round of the BMW International Open. 

The Italian carded eight birdies and two bogeys at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried for a six-under-par 66 which was matched by France’s Adrien Saddier and Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino.

Play was suspended for the day shortly before 7pm local time due to the threat of lightning, with 27 players yet to complete their rounds.

‘I think it’s a very good start,’ Molinari said.