McIlroy played well at the PGA Championship at Wentworth last week

Rory McIlroy lies three under par after Thursday's opening round of The European Open at The London Golf Club.

McIlroy carded five birdies and two bogeys in his first 18 holes and lies four shots behind leader Anders Hansen.

Graeme McDowell is two under after registering an eagle, five birdies and five bogeys in his first round.

Michael Hoey carded a one-over-par 73 and Darren Clarke and Gareth Maybin two-over 74s while Peter Lawrie is the best-placed Irish player on five under.

Thomas Aiken and Peter Hanson are one shot behind leader Hansen on six under.

Dublin's Paul McGinley is well placed on two under but Damien McGrane on two over, Gary Murphy on three over and professional debutant Shane Lowry on six over are all struggling.

McDowell had an eventful round, with an eagle, five birdies and five bogeys while Hoey had four birdies and five bogeys on his card.

Clarke's round included an eagle, two birdies, four bogeys and a double-bogey while Maybin had two birdies and four bogeys, in addition to his 12 pars.

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