HOWARD OPENS WITH A 74

“It was an unbelievable experience”, said David Howard after shooting an impressive 4-over-par 74 in his first-ever round in a major at the Open Championship in Royal Birkdale.

A large crowd of supporters were there to cheer Howard on as he left the first tee.

“It was mad. I was nervous enough as it was, but I think it made me more nervous, if anything. Had to give them a motion to quiet down. It was unbelievable.”

“No, I can’t thank them enough. So many friends, family, club, girlfriend. It’s just a special moment out there. I never got such applause for a bogey before, when I tapped in for bogey on 15. It was like making a big birdie putt to win something. No, they’re unbelievable. It was a great moment.”

“Definitely a lot of Cork people and a lot of Irish out there.”

Fingers crossed for a great round two.

Photo: G. Ruddy