Niemann Fires 65 to Lead Slow, Windy Irish Open Round 1

Joaquin Niemann shot a first-round 65 to lead the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, on a day when wind, rain and a 139-player field turned pace of play into its own storyline.

How did Niemann take the lead?

The Chilean, currently No. 42 in the Official World Golf Ranking, made his only bogey of the day at the par-3 13th, then reeled off four straight birdies to close out the round. Niemann has two LIV Golf wins this season, in Korea and New York, and finished third in that circuit's individual standings.

Why did the round take so long?

Rounds stretched toward six hours as strong wind and rain slowed the 139-man field, which began the day with defending champion Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry playing together. One player, Marcel Schneider, withdrew after 14 holes, and frequent backups on tees and greens left groups waiting throughout the round.

McIlroy pointed to the Doonbeg layout and a crowded morning wave as the main culprits. "This course isn't conducive to sort of letting you get in a flow," he said, adding that the stop-start pace made it difficult to build any momentum through 18 holes.

How did the other contenders fare?

McIlroy carded a 69 to sit four shots back at one-under, a round he considered a reasonable recovery after an early double bogey. Lowry shot a three-under 67 in the same group and said afterward it may have been the longest round of golf he has ever played alongside two other competitors.